Which finding is commonly associated with vertebral compression fractures?

Which finding is commonly associated with vertebral compression fractures?

• A. Sudden back pain with focal midline tenderness and limited motion
• B. Gradual onset knee pain
• C. Headache and neck stiffness
• D. Chest pain with dyspnea

Answer: (A)

Vertebral compression fractures typically present with acute, localized back pain that is midline and reproducible with palpation over the affected vertebral level, and with pain and stiffness that limit spinal motion. This pattern occurs especially in older adults with osteoporosis, where even minor trauma can cause a wedge fracture of a thoracic or lumbar vertebra. On exam, there is focal tenderness at the spinous process and reduced range of motion, while neurologic function is often preserved unless the fracture causes significant canal compromise. The other scenarios describe pain in different regions or systems (knee, head/neck, chest), which would not produce the characteristic midline vertebral tenderness and localized back pain seen with vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebral compression fractures typically present with acute, localized back pain that is midline and reproducible with palpation over the affected vertebral level, and with pain and stiffness that limit spinal motion. This pattern occurs especially in older adults with osteoporosis, where even minor trauma can cause a wedge fracture of a thoracic or lumbar vertebra. On exam, there is focal tenderness at the spinous process and reduced range of motion, while neurologic function is often preserved unless the fracture causes significant canal compromise. The other scenarios describe pain in different regions or systems (knee, head/neck, chest), which would not produce the characteristic midline vertebral tenderness and localized back pain seen with vertebral compression fractures.