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Clinical Oversight and Delayed Diagnosis of a Pathological Compression Fracture Causing Paraplegia

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: While osteoporosis is the primary cause of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), it's crucial to promptly recognize pathological fractures through comprehensive diagnostic tests, including vertebral biopsies, to determine the exact etiology. For instance, a 66-year-old male with osteoporosis experienced worsening lower limb weakness and back pain after an initial vertebroplasty for a T12 compression fracture. Subsequent MRI revealed severe circumferential extradural compression at T12, leading to further surgeries that eventually uncovered metastatic adenocarcinoma from a pancreatic tumor. This case highlights the importance of precise diagnosis through vertebral biopsy and the necessity of sufficient ventral decompression or corpectomy, coupled with extensive laminectomy, to address severe neurological impairments like paraplegia. Prompt and accurate interventions can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68296

Authors: Yin-Sheng Chen, Ping-Chuan Liu, Chih-Chang Chang, Tsung-Hsi Tu, Chao-Hung Kuo

Institutions: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Management of metastatic bone disease

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402079245