Which fracture type occurs in the vertebrae usually due to osteoporosis?

Which fracture type occurs in the vertebrae usually due to osteoporosis?

• A. Vertebral Compression Fracture
• B. Spiral Fracture
• C. Greenstick Fracture
• D. Epiphyseal Fracture

Answer: (A)

In osteoporosis, bones become thin and fragile, especially weight-bearing bones like the vertebral bodies. When these weakened vertebrae are subjected to normal loads, they can collapse vertically, often producing a wedge-shaped vertebral body. This is known as a vertebral compression fracture, and it’s the classic fracture seen in the spine due to osteoporosis. It can cause sudden back pain, height loss, and increased curvature of the upper spine (kyphosis). The other fracture types don’t fit the scenario of osteoporosis in the spine. A spiral fracture results from a twisting injury and typically affects long bones. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete crack seen mostly in children whose bones are still soft. An epiphyseal fracture involves the growth plate and is a concern in pediatric patients. So, the vertebral compression fracture best reflects how osteoporosis weakens vertebrae and leads to collapse under normal stress.

In osteoporosis, bones become thin and fragile, especially weight-bearing bones like the vertebral bodies. When these weakened vertebrae are subjected to normal loads, they can collapse vertically, often producing a wedge-shaped vertebral body. This is known as a vertebral compression fracture, and it’s the classic fracture seen in the spine due to osteoporosis. It can cause sudden back pain, height loss, and increased curvature of the upper spine (kyphosis).

The other fracture types don’t fit the scenario of osteoporosis in the spine. A spiral fracture results from a twisting injury and typically affects long bones. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete crack seen mostly in children whose bones are still soft. An epiphyseal fracture involves the growth plate and is a concern in pediatric patients.

So, the vertebral compression fracture best reflects how osteoporosis weakens vertebrae and leads to collapse under normal stress.