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Definition of Compression Fracture

By Anne Asher, About.com

Updated: March 27, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition:

Compression fractures are breaks in the body of a vertebra. The population most at risk for this injury is the senior population, especially women.

Many compression fractures happens as a result of osteoporosis, and the risk factors are regarded the same for both.

In compression fractures, usually, the front of the vertebra crushes. This has the effect of bending the trunk forward. In time, this causes kyphosis.

There are other, very serious, complications due to osteoporotic compression fractures.

A new surgical procedure called Percutaneous Vertebroplasty shows promise for compression fractures. In this procedure, a form of cement is injected into the fracture in order to stablize the bone.

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Back & Neck Pain

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  4. Conditions of the Spine
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  6. Compression Fracture Definition

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