Diagnosis of a Spinal Compression Fracture With Digital Image Inversion

Abstract

A 69-year-old woman injured her low back while bending forward. Ten days after injury, lumbar spine radiographs ordered by her orthopaedist demonstrated mild spondylosis and no evidence of fracture. She was then referred to a physical therapist. Following examination, a spinal compression fracture was suspected. The initial digital radiographs were reviewed by the physical therapist images and enhanced using digital image inversion, and a potential compression deformity at the T11 vertebral body was noted. The patient was referred back to the orthopaedist, who ordered magnetic resonance imaging to further characterize the vertebral deformity. JOSPT Cases 2021;1(2):99–100. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2021.9738