Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Kummell disease
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Kummell disease is delayed post-traumatic collapse of a vertebral body. Avascular necrosis is the most accepted hypothesis for the etiology of Kummell disease. Gas within vertebral body thought to represent vacuum phenomenon. Risk factors include corticosteroid use, alcoholism and radiation therapy.
On imaging, vertebral body collapse is seen
Kummell disease involving the T10 vertebral body
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Initial radiograph at time of trauma -
6 weeks after trauma -
6 weeks after trauma
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]