Vertebral compression fracture

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fell down the stairs. Severe dorsal back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male

Compression fractures of D5 and D8 vertebras associated with diffuse marrow edema signal and mild spinal canal compression (less than 20%).

Case Discussion

The vertebral fracture should be diagnosed when there is a loss of height in the anterior, middle, or posterior dimension of the vertebral body that exceeds 20%.

Vertebral burst fractures refer to a group of fractures of the anterior and middle columns with or without posterior column fracture, usually associated with neural injury.

The main differential diagnosis is wedged compression fracture which is the most common type of lumbar fracture and is defined as an Isolated failure of the anterior column which makes a wedge-shaped vertebral body. These fractures are rarely associated with neural injury.

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