Ask the Expert

Get answers to your Spine related questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Compression fractures of the back - Symptom

Alternative Names

Vertebral compression fractures

Symptoms:

Back pain with sudden or chronic onset
Shortened height
Hunchback (kyphosis)

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Pressure on the spinal cord from kyphosis may produce symptoms of:

Symptoms depend on the area of the back that is affected; however, most fractures do not produce nervous system (neurological) symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Physical examination may show hunchback (kyphosis). There is also tenderness over the injured vertebrae.
A spine x-ray shows at least one compressed vertebra that is shorter than the other vertebrae.

Other tests that may be done:

A bone density test to evaluate for osteoporosis
A CT or MRI scan if there is concern that the fracture was caused by a tumor, or if the fracture was caused by high-energy trauma (such as a fall from a height or car accident)

$Compression fracture$

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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)