Is there a particular population subset that is more susceptible to a vertebral compression fracture?
Dr. Garfin: People who are more susceptible include those with osteoporosis, either primary or secondary, multiple myeloma, or osteolytic metastatic tumors. I will briefly explain each condition. Primary osteoporosis is often related to aging, early menopause including estrogen deficiency, inadequate calcium consumption, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse. Secondary osteoporosis develops from chronic systemic conditions that can cause osteoporosis such as thyroid disease (for example, hyperparathyroidism), long-term glucocorticoid therapy, kidney failure, or gastrointestinal diseases. Multiple myeloma is a progressive cancer of the blood specifically affecting the blood’s plasma cells. The disease causes too many plasma cells to develop in bone marrow. This upsets production of new bone and can lead to weakening of the bones often involving the pelvis, ribs, skull, and spine. Osteolytic metastatic tumors are cancerous tumors that spread from another part of the body; u
