Asymptomatic fractures in osteoporotic spines of the aged.

Abstract

Asymptomatic vertebral fractures in osteoporotic spines of the aged stand out in sharp contrast to the urgency and seriousness of acutely traumatized spines in younger persons. The peculiarities of these fractures form the basis of this report. In the Home for the Jewish Aged, in Philadelphia, 136 residents were selected for study because they were ambulatory and in good health. Their ages ranged from 63 to 95 years. Anteroposterior and lateral x-ray examinations of the spine were made as part of the clinical survey in each case. RESULTS Fractures were found in 35 (25.7%) of the 136 cases, in 11 (20%) of the 54 men and in 24 (29%) of the 82 women (table 1). Single fractures in the dorsal spine alone occurred in 14 cases and in the lumbar spine in 7 cases. When multiple fractures were present, they were confined to the dorsal spine, in 6 cases, or