Compression fracture- Patients with suspected vertebral compression fracture should have plain radiographs for evaluation (algorithm 1). Features in the history that indicate an increased risk for vertebral fractures include prolonged glucocorticoid use, advanced age, significant trauma or presence of contusion or abrasion, or recent mild trauma in a patient with a known diagnosis of or risk factors for osteoporosis (table 3) [69.77.79.80). Patients can have osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the absence of trauma