Lumbar Compression Fracture eMedicine PMR

Description: The lumbar vertebrae are the 5 largest and strongest of all vertebrae in the spine. These vertebrae compose the lower back. They begin at the start of the lumbar curve (ie, the thoracolumbar junction) and extend to the sacrum. The strongest stabilizing muscles of the spine attach to the lumbar vertebrae. End-stage osteoporosis often culminates with bony fractures. Fractures occur most commonly in the hips, wrists, arms, and spine. Osteoporotic spine fractures are unique because they may occur without apparent trauma. A thorough diagnostic workup is always required to rule out malignancy.
Synonyms and related keywords: lumbar crush fracture, osteoporotic fracture, collapse fracture, osteoporosis, vertebra fracture, vertebral fracture, burst fracture, wedge fracture, spinal wedge fracture, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty
Sherman & Razack 2007 Updated: Mar 25, 2010