Compression Fractures of the Back
Alternate Names : Vertebral Compression Fractures
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Diagnosis & Tests
Physical examination may show 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.
If there is no history of significant trauma, a bone density test needs to be done to evaluate for osteoporosis.
If there is concern that the fracture was caused by a tumor eating and weakening the bone, a CT or MRI scan is necessary to get a better look at the bone. Also, if the fracture was caused by high energy trauma (fall from a height, car accident, etc.) then a CT scan is needed to see if there are bone fragments pressing on the spinal cord.
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