Vertebral insufficiency fractures as a cause of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with chronic tetraplegia: A case report

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures. This is more common in the long bones below the injury level. This case presents a 65-year-old male with long-term SCI who developed vertebral compression fractures, leading to autonomic dysreflexia and spasticity. The case highlights the need for better awareness, diagnosis, and prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures in individuals with SCI, even in atypical locations like the vertebrae.

• 1
  A patient with chronic SCI presented with new-onset autonomic dysreflexia and spasticity.
• 2
  The cause was identified as multiple vertebral compression fractures, an atypical location for fractures in SCI patients.
• 3
  Conservative management provided limited relief, indicating the potential need for more interventional approaches like vertebral augmentation.