title: Malignant and benign compression fractures: differentiation and diagnostic pitfalls on MRI.
abstract: The distinction between malignant and benign compression fractures is a common problem in clinical practice. Various imaging techniques (plain radiography, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy) have been used to differentiate these conditions but they are often inadequate in distinguishing the nature of compression fracture. This review illustrates the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of malignant and benign compression fractures with emphasis on the usefulness, limitations and pitfalls of MRI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Radiation Research, Nagasaki University Hospital, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan. uetani@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uetani
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hashmi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hayashi
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*