Continuous multiple vertebral compression fractures in multiple myeloma patient

Korean J Spine. 2012 Mar;9(1):37-40. doi: 10.14245/kjs.2012.9.1.37. Epub 2012 Mar 31.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell origin tumor characterized by hypercalcemia, osteolytic bony lesions, and pathologic fractures. Back pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms of multiple myeloma and about 60% of patients have vertebral involvement at the time of diagnosis7). Minimally invasive surgeries such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective to relieve pain and improve the quality of life when a compression fracture occurs in multiple myeloma patients. We report a case of continuous multiple compression fractures associated with multiple myeloma. We should check for the possibility of pathologic vertebral fractures resulting from multiple myeloma in non-osteoporotic compression fracture patients, and especially in cases of continuous fracture occurring in relatively non-elderly patients, even though a history of trauma may be present.

Keywords: Compression fracture; Multiple myeloma; Vertebroplasty.