[Osteoporotic vertebral fracture with spinal cord compression]

Tunis Med. 2003 Aug;81(8):577-80.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures with neurologic complications are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of a 66-year-old woman who developed an osteoporotic fracture of T6 followed one month later by spinal cord compression without aseptic vertebral osteonecrosis. Diagnosis is based on magnetic resonance imaging and examination of vertebral biopsy specimens. After reviewing the literature, we stress some features: the osteoporotic vertebral fractures does not have any particularity compared to the uncomplicated form; the neurological complication occurs progressively and belatedly; the usual mechanism is the recoil of one of posterior vertebral corners.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteonecrosis / etiology
  • Osteonecrosis / pathology
  • Osteoporosis / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Fractures / complications*
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology*
  • Spinal Fractures / pathology