Compression Fractures

Compression fractures are fractures of the vertebrae in which the anterior (front) part of the vertebrae compresses or wedges under the posterior (back) part. This fracture causes the vertebrae to become taller in back than in front. In some situations, it is difficult for the health care provider to determine whether a compression fracture of the vertebrae is new and if it has been caused by osteoporosis, tumor, infection or other reason. MRI can be helpful in determining the cause of these fractures, which can be very important since the recommended treatment will be different depending upon the source of the fracture.