Compression fractures of the back

$Compression fracture$

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Vertebral compression fractures

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).

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Compression fractures of the back

Review Date: 05/05/2008
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).