Compression fractures of the back

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Compression fracture

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

Vertebral compression fractures

Vertebrae are the bones of the back. In a compression fracture of the vertebrae, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. This condition may be caused by osteoporosis (the most common cause), tumor, or trauma to the back.

When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis, the vertebrae in the thoracic (chest) and lower spine are usually affected, and symptoms may be worse with walking.

With multiple fractures, kyphosis, a forward hump-like curvature of the spine (like the Hunchback of Notre Dame) may result. Pressure on the spinal cord may occur, producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms depend upon the area of the back that is affected; however, most fractures are stable and do not produce neurological symptoms.

Review Date: 05/31/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.