Kummel disease: a not-so-rare complication of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
Kummel disease is the eponym for avascular necrosis of the vertebral body after a vertebral compression fracture. As our population ages, the prevalence of osteoporosis, its most common fragility fracture (vertebral compression fracture), and Kummel disease will increase. The purpose of this article is to report a prototypical case with complete radiographic and histologic workup and to provide facts regarding Kummel disease that are salient to the primary care provider.
Freedman
Brett A
BA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University Medical Center, Georgia, USA. brett-freedman@yahoo.com
Heller
John G
JG
D000368:Aged; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery