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

Vertebral compression fractures

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

• Osteoporosis (the most common cause),
• Trauma to the back
• Tumors that started in the bone or spread to the bone from elsewhere

Multiple fractures may lead to kyphosis, a hump-like curvature of the spine.

Images

Compression fracture

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Compression fractures of the back Symptoms

Review Date: 12/01/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

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