MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 9, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
home > compression fracture definition
Font Size
A
A
A


Definition of Compression fracture

Compression fracture: A fracture caused by compression, the act of pressing together. Compression fractures of the vertebrae are especially common with osteoporosis.

Typical Bone Fractures illustration - Compression fracture

Note that a "compression fracture" is distinct from a "comminuted fracture" in which the bone is fragmented and from a "compound fracture" in which the bone sticks openly through the skin.


Last Editorial Review: 12/26/2003

Common Misspellings: compression facture

Search All of MedicineNet For:
  





Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • hydrocodone/acetaminophen, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco - Explains the medication hydrocodone/ acetaminophen (Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Anexsia, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Norco) a narcotic drug used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
  • CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
  • Anorexia - Get the facts on anorexia nervosa causes, symptoms, warning signs, treatment, diagnosis, effects and statistics on this eating disorder. Anorexics starve themselves or use laxatives, enemas or diuretics to control their weight.
Read more Fracture related articles »

Latest Medical News


Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List

Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


From WebMD

Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors


Definition of Compression fracture Related Articles

MedicineNet Authored

Webster's New World
Medical Dictionary
Learn more »

Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

MedTerms Medical Word
of the Day XML







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.