Imaging of Insufficiency Fractures

Insufficiency fractures are a common health issue in developed countries, primarily caused by aging, sedentary lifestyles, and medica- tions, particularly corticosteroids. These frac- tures occur in the presence of a bone with compromised strength when even slight stress is applied. The main site of fractures is the spine (i.e., vertebrae), and the pain is the main symptom leading to bed rest. When the clini- cal suspicion is present, imaging is crucial in confirming the diagnosis and during follow-up of the healing processes. Plain radiography is effective for diagnosis, but MRI is more com- monly used for detecting fractures, especially when signs are minimal or fractures are located in challenging sites (e.g., sacrum). CT scans offer high accuracy in detecting fracture lines. Interventional radiology is also involved in the therapy as the cementoplasty is a very effective tool for pain palliation of fractures.