Differential Diagnosis for Progressive Compression Deformity of the L3 Vertebral Body and Hip Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoporotic compression fracture: This is the most likely diagnosis given the progressive compression deformity of the L3 vertebral body. Osteoporosis is a common condition that can lead to vertebral compression fractures, especially in older adults. The fracture can cause hip pain due to the proximity of the lumbar spine to the hip joint and the potential for referred pain.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Metastatic disease: Cancer that has metastasized to the spine can cause vertebral compression fractures. The hip pain could be related to the fracture or to the cancer itself.
- Trauma: A traumatic event, such as a fall, can cause a vertebral compression fracture. The hip pain could be related to the trauma or to a concurrent injury.
- Infection (e.g., osteomyelitis or discitis): An infection in the spine can cause destruction of the vertebral body, leading to a compression deformity. Hip pain could be a symptom of the infection.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal epidural abscess: This is a serious condition that can cause spinal cord compression and potentially lead to paralysis or death if not treated promptly. Hip pain could be a symptom of the abscess.
- Cauda equina syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to symptoms such as hip pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
- Pathological fracture due to a primary bone tumor: A primary bone tumor, such as multiple myeloma, can cause a pathological fracture of the vertebral body.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Paget's disease: This is a rare condition that can cause an abnormal breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue, leading to deformities and fractures.
- Fibrous dysplasia: This is a rare condition that can cause abnormal growth of bone tissue, leading to deformities and fractures.
- Gaucher's disease: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause an abnormal breakdown of bone tissue, leading to deformities and fractures.