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Compression fractures of the back - Overview

Alternative Names

Vertebral compression fractures

Definition of Compression fractures of the back:

Compression fractures of the back are broken vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In a compression fracture of the vertebra, the bone tissue in the vertebra collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. This condition may be caused by:

Osteoporosis (the most common cause)
Trauma to the back
Tumor

When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis, the vertebrae in the chest (thoracic) and lower spine are usually affected, and symptoms may be worse with walking.

Multiple fractures may lead to kyphosis, a hump-like curvature of the spine (like the Hunchback of Notre Dame).

$Compression fracture$

Compression fracture

Reviewed last on: 5/5/2008
Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Freedman BA, Potter BK, Nesti LJ, Giuliani JR, Hampton C, Kuklo TR. Osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures-continued missed opportunities. Spine J. 2008;8:756-762.

Lavelle W, Carl A, Lavelle ED, Khaleel MA. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Anesthesiol Clin. 2007;25:913-928.

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