A Great Number of Old Vertebral Fractures Expressing Instability are Pedicle Fractures: With the Use of 64-line Multi Slice Computerized Tomography

Abstract

We examined old vertebral fractures expressing instability with the use of 64-line CT. Method: From April 2006 to December 2006, CT photographic images of 15 unstable fractures were examined in detail. Results: We confirmed gas or liquid in all vertebral bodies. In 5 cases (33%), vertebral body protruding into the canal was observed. Four cases (23%) had other vertebral fractures. In addition, 12 pedicle fractures (73%) were seen. Conclusion: We confirmed many pedicle fractures in vertebral fractures expressing instability. These results suggest that pedicle fracture is a risk factor for back pain associated with vertebral fracture.