Causes for VCFs

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur when the weight of the upper body exceeds the ability of the vertebrae to support the load. VCFs can happen spontaneously or from minimal disturbance resulting from spinal loading while going about daily activities. The applied force usually causes the anterior part of the vertebral body to crush, forming an anterior wedge fracture. The middle column remains intact and may act as a hinge. This results in loss of anterior height of the vertebra while the posterior height remains unchanged. Left untreated, the collapsed anterior vertebrae fuse together and the spine bends forward, causing a kyphotic deformity commonly known as "dowager's hump."