Compression Fractures Compression fracture of the vertebral body usually occur in older adults and are frequently caused by osteoporosis. They can range from mild to severe. More severe fractures can cause significant pain, leading to inability to perform activities of daily living, and life-threatening decline in the elderly patient who already has decreased reserves. While the diagnosis can be suspected from history and physical examination, plain X-rays, as well as occasional computed tomography ( CT scans )  or magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ); are often helpful in accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Acute fractures can happen when the weight of the upper body exceeds the ability of the bone within the vertebral body to support the load. Generally, some trauma occurs with each compression fracture. In cases of severe osteoporosis, however, the cause of trauma may be simple, such as stepping out of a bathtub, vigorous sneezing, or lifting an object cases of moderate osteoporosis, more force or trauma is required to create a fracture, such as falling off a chair, tripping, or attempting to lift a heavy object. Of course, a healthy spine can sustain a compression fracture from severe trauma such as an automobile crash or a hard fall. Traditional conservative treatment includes bed rest, pain control with analgesic medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, as well as physical therapy. We have observed a good response to Minimally Invasive Interventional procedures such as Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in a subgroup of patients that do not respond to initial conservative treatment.