Acute vertebral compression fracture

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Female
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
STIR
This study is a stack
Axial T2
fat sat
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Info

L1 vertebral body decreased height more anteriorly (wedging) with compression fracture line below the superior endplate showing marrow edema, condensation and anterior step defect. No retropulsed bone fragments. Intact posterior elements.

L3-4 and L4-5 diffuse posterior disc bulges.

Reduced hydration signal of intervertebral discs.

Case Discussion

Features of acute vertebral compression fracture (spinal wedge fracture) involving L1 vertebral body. Edema along the fracture line reflects acute injury, so correlated with the recent back pain.

Signs of acute spinal compression fracture include edema, anterior step defect and line of condensation from trabecular impaction (see illustration rID-45540 and case rID-31608).

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