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Vertebral compression fracture
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with spinal disc herniation.
A compression fracture is a collapse of a vertebra. It may be due to trauma or due to a weakening of the vertebra (compare with burst fracture). This weakening is seen in patients with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, lytic lesions from metastatic or primary tumors,[1] or infection.[2] In healthy patients, it is most often seen in individuals suffering extreme vertical shocks, such as ejecting from an ejection seat. Seen in lateral views in plain x-ray films, compression fractures of the spine characteristically appear as wedge deformities, with greater loss of height anteriorly than posteriorly and intact pedicles in the anteroposterior view.[3]
Quick Facts Compression fracture, Specialty ...
Compression fracture | |
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Example of vertebral compression fracture. | |
Specialty | Orthopedic |
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