Question:easy
The most common site for an osteoporotic vertebral fracture is?
The most common site for an osteoporotic vertebral fracture is?
Show Hint
Think of the thoracolumbar junction, where the stiff thoracic spine meets the mobile lumbar spine.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Dorsolumbar spine
- Cervical spine
- Lumbosacral spine
- Dorsal spine
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: In osteoporosis the bone mass falls but its chemical composition stays normal, so the marker that gives it away clinically is a low-trauma fracture rather than a blood test (calcium, phosphate and ALP are unremarkable).
Step 2: The vertebral bodies, being rich in trabecular bone, are the earliest and commonest to crush. The peak load in the spinal column falls where the stiff chest segment meets the supple lower back.
Step 3: That meeting point is the thoracolumbar or dorsolumbar junction, which is why most osteoporotic wedge and compression fractures, and the resulting back pain, are found there.
Step 4: The wrist (Colles) and hip (femoral neck) round out the classic fragility-fracture trio, but the question asks specifically about vertebrae.
\[\boxed{\text{Dorsolumbar spine}}\]
Step 2: The vertebral bodies, being rich in trabecular bone, are the earliest and commonest to crush. The peak load in the spinal column falls where the stiff chest segment meets the supple lower back.
Step 3: That meeting point is the thoracolumbar or dorsolumbar junction, which is why most osteoporotic wedge and compression fractures, and the resulting back pain, are found there.
Step 4: The wrist (Colles) and hip (femoral neck) round out the classic fragility-fracture trio, but the question asks specifically about vertebrae.
\[\boxed{\text{Dorsolumbar spine}}\]
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