Vertebral Compression Fractures in Elderly: How to Recognize and Report

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In elderly patients, when there is no obvious evidence of malignancy on plain radiography, it can be difficult to evaluate benign and malignant vertebral fractures, because these patients are predisposed to senile osteoporosis and malignant disease. The only complaint could be back pain, as both types of fractures have the same symptoms and signs.

Recent Findings

A reliable imaging modality is always required, as appropriate management and early diagnosis of malignant vertebral fractures are important.

Summary

The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of recognizing, through diagnostic techniques, the presence of vertebral fractures, since the majority of vertebral fractures do not come to clinical attention and to determine the parameters that are useful for the early differentiation between benign versus malignant vertebral fractures.