title: Identifying serious causes of back pain: cancer, infection, fracture.
abstract: Most patients with back pain have a benign condition, but tumors, infections, and fractures must be considered during an initial evaluation because overlooking them can have serious consequences. This article discusses the presentation and diagnostic strategies of these serious causes of back pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Siemionow
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steinmetz
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ilaslan
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: McLain