Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

449
vertebral column
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the true ribs and make up part of the back of the
chest (thorax). This part of the spine is very flexible,
to permit bending and twisting. The thoracic verte-
brae join the lumbar vertebrae, which are particu-
larly sturdy and large because they support the
entire structure. The lumbar vertebrae are nonethe-
less quite flexible. At the top of the pelvis, the lum-
bar vertebrae join the sacral vertebrae. By
adulthood, the five sacral vertebrae have usually
fused to form a triangular bone called the sacrum.
At the tip of the sacrum, the final part of the verte-
bral column projects slightly outward. This is the
coccyx, better known as the tailbone. It is made up
of 3 to 5 coccygeal vertebrae: small, rudimentary
vertebrae that fuse together. Also known as the
spinal column.
vertebral compression fracture
A fracture
that collapses a spinal vertebra as a result of the
compression of bone, similarly to the way a sponge
collapses under the pressure of one’s hand.
Although they may occur without pain, such verte-
bral fractures often cause severe, band-like pain
that radiates from the spine around both sides of the
body. Over many years, spinal fractures decrease the
height of the spine, and the person becomes
shorter. Vertebral compression fractures are often
linked to osteoporosis. Treatment usually involves
use of pain medicine, rest, injury avoidance, and
bracing, and in some cases surgery can be used. See
also 
vertebroplasty.
vertebral rib
See 
floating rib.
vertebroplasty
A nonsurgical method for repair-
ing osteoporosis back fractures, such as vertebral
compression fractures. Vertebroplasty is performed
by a radiologist, without surgery, and involves
inserting a glue-like material into the center of the
collapsed spinal vertebra to stabilize and strengthen
the crushed bone. The material is inserted through
anesthetized skin with a needle and syringe, enter-
ing the midportion of the vertebra under the guid-
ance of specialized X-ray equipment. Once inserted,
the material hardens to form a cast-like structure
within the broken bone. Relief of pain comes
quickly from this casting effect, and the newly hard-
ened vertebra is then protected from further col-
lapse. In addition to prompt pain relief, another
advantage of vertebroplasty is improved mobility.
Also referred to as kyphoplasty.