Experience of auscultatory percussion for vertebral compression fracture

Abstract

A vertebral compression fracture is a red flag for low back pain. The closed-fist percussion sign is a useful physical examination, but there is a possibility of misdiagnosis. A 58-year-old woman complaining of low back pain with suddenly developed pain at rest. Physical examination using x-rays and closed-fist percussion sign were negative, but auscultatory percussion was positive. As a result, vertebral compression fracture was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Auscultatory percussion is a method that can determine a vertebral compression fracture without causing pain, and is necessary to improve accuracy in the future.