What Is an Endplate Compression Fracture?

Endplate fractures are well known features of compression and burst type fractures. 14 Compression fractures involve cortical fracture and reduction in anterior vertebral body height, while burst fractures result in anterior and posterior body failure.

Is an endplate fracture a compression fracture?

In vitro studies reveal that the most likely type of failure of this anterior part of the spine is a fracture of the endplate as a result of compression. The high incidence of aspecific low back pain concurs with the likeliness of compression fractures of the endplate to occur in everyday life.

Is a compression fracture serious?

When left untreated, a vertebral compression fracture can lead to a multitude of back issues, as well as health risks and even death. While some health problems such as kyphosis—an unnatural curvature of the spine—result directly from a compression fracture, other health risks are a byproduct of pain and immobility.