File:Types of vertebral compressive fracture.png

Summary

The fractures observed were classified according to the following scheme (see Figure 13):

• Stellate fracture of the endplate (stellate): two or more cracks running from the centre towards the periphery of the endplate;
• Step-like fracture of the endplate (step): a crack in the endplate with a distinctly visible step of l-4 mm height;
• Endplate depression (depression): endplate deformed into a bowl shape, the trabecular bone below the endplate fractured;
• Transverse fracture (transverse): transverse fracture through the whole vertebra, usually in its midplane;
• Edge fracture (ed ventral or dorsal): wedge-like fracture of the edge of the vertebral body;

Licencing

Brinckmann P, Biggemann M, Hilweg D. Prediction of the compressive strength of human lumbar vertebrae. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 1989;4 Suppl 2:iii-27. doi: 10.1016/0268-0033(89)90071-5. PMID: 23906213. This file is copyrighted, and is reproduced in a limited way under the fair-use doctrine. It falls under the "Non-profit educational" clause of the Fair Use doctrine.