injuries poisoning
Vertebral Compression Fractures
Key Points
Most vertebral fractures result from osteoporosis. About two thirds of vertebral osteoporotic fractures are asymptomatic or cause only loss of height or kyphosis. Suspect cancer if patients have a solitary fracture above T4. If patients are not known to have osteoporosis, schedule dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Encourage early mobilization. 