Abstract
The vertebral compression fracture (VCF) may be the initial sign of a patient’s subsequent downhill spiral if the underlying etiology is not properly diagnosed. The presentation often is generalized lower-back pain, which may be poorly localized and without a direct etiology or traumatic event. Neurologic symptoms are rare. Comprehensive evaluation includes a detailed history and examination, radiographic studies, and laboratory evaluation. Osteoporotic patients with a VCF may have progressive spinal deformity that affects functional levels and mortality. Improved and accurate diagnostic evaluation improves the ability to target appropriate therapeutic intervention to the patients who would benefit most.
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Dinizo, M., Buckland, A. (2020). History, Physical Exam, and Differential Diagnosis of Vertebral Compression Fracture. In: Razi, A., Hershman, S. (eds) Vertebral Compression Fractures in Osteoporotic and Pathologic Bone. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33861-9_8
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