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:
-
Numbness -
Tingling -
Weakness
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)
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