Differential Diagnosis for Mild Wedging on Spine X-ray without Compression Fracture
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Osteoporosis: This is the most common cause of mild wedging on spine X-ray, especially in older adults. Osteoporosis can lead to vertebral body weakening, resulting in mild wedging without a significant compression fracture.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Degenerative disc disease: This condition can cause mild wedging due to the loss of disc height and subsequent settling of the vertebral bodies.
- Spondylosis: A condition characterized by degenerative changes in the spine, which can lead to mild wedging.
- Scheuermann's disease: A condition that affects the thoracic spine, causing mild wedging and kyphosis, typically in adolescents.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Osteolytic metastasis: Although less common, osteolytic metastasis can cause mild wedging and should not be missed, as it can have significant implications for patient management and prognosis.
- Multiple myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause bone lesions, leading to mild wedging on spine X-ray.
- Infection (e.g., osteomyelitis or discitis): Infections can cause destruction of the vertebral body, resulting in mild wedging.
- Rare diagnoses
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare condition that can cause bone lesions, including in the spine, leading to mild wedging.
- Gaucher's disease: A genetic disorder that can cause bone marrow infiltration, leading to osteopenia and mild wedging.
- Fibrous dysplasia: A rare condition that can cause bone lesions, including in the spine, resulting in mild wedging.