This 70-year old female lost her balance and stepped off the
curb and experienced severe lower thoracic pain. Observe the
compression fractures of the T7, T8 and T9 vertebral bodies.
Note the osteoporosis which contributed to the weakening of the
vertebrae allowing these fractures to occur with minimal trauma.
Radiographic Signs of Vertebral Compression Fracture.
Radiographs of optimum quality are necessary in order to
adequately demonstrate these fractures. Lateral radiographs best
demonstrate fracture features. Radiographic signs of vertebral
compression fracture include a step defect, wedge deformity,
linear zone of condensation, displaced endplate, paraspinal
edema, and abdominal ileus. The Step Defect. Since the anterior
aspect of the vertebral body is under the greatest stress, the
first bony injury to occur is a buckling of the anterior cortex,
usually near the superior vertebral endplate. This sign is best
seen on the lateral view as a sharp step-off of the
anterosuperior vertebral margin along the sm