Delayed traumatic vertebral body compression fracture; part I: clinical features.
We have described three patient who sustained trauma to their spines followed by persisting pain. Initial radiographs were negative, but on subsequent examinations compression fractures were demonstrated. This sequence of events resembles the clinical picture described by Kümmell in 1895 with significant differences. A plethora of early written description with minimal radiographic documentation suggests that this is a relatively rare condition. It is appropriate, therefore, to present these cases with the suggestion that traumatic injuries with persisting thoracic or upper lumbar back pain should be followed up radiographically in order to demonstrate the occurrence of subsequent compression fractures. These fractures may be treated with simple braces.