Compression spinal fracture picture
A compression fracture is a break in the vertebral body of the bone often due to the loss of bony mass that occurs in osteoporosis. As the bones of the vertebral column and back weaken and become thin, very little force is needed to cause a compression fracture. These breaks can be painful and depending upon the severity they can require a range of treatment from home care to surgery.




Review Date: 10/3/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team: Meredith Nienkamp, M.S.M.I., Dan Johnson, M.S.M.I., Lisa Higginbotham, M.S.M.I. Review also provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.