Which physical change indicates vertebral compression due to osteoporosis?

Which physical change indicates vertebral compression due to osteoporosis?

• A. Height gain
• B. Widened hips
• C. Height loss
• D. Increased spinal curvature

Answer: (C)

Vertebral compression from osteoporosis directly shortens the spine. When the vertebral bodies collapse vertically, the overall height decreases, so a person becomes shorter over time. That loss of height is the clearest, most direct physical sign of vertebral compression. Widened hips aren’t a typical indicator of vertebral compression. Increased spinal curvature (kyphosis) can occur as a consequence of multiple compression fractures and the resulting wedge-shaped vertebrae, but it’s a secondary change rather than the primary, direct sign. So the best indicator of vertebral compression is the observable height loss.

Vertebral compression from osteoporosis directly shortens the spine. When the vertebral bodies collapse vertically, the overall height decreases, so a person becomes shorter over time. That loss of height is the clearest, most direct physical sign of vertebral compression.

Widened hips aren’t a typical indicator of vertebral compression. Increased spinal curvature (kyphosis) can occur as a consequence of multiple compression fractures and the resulting wedge-shaped vertebrae, but it’s a secondary change rather than the primary, direct sign. So the best indicator of vertebral compression is the observable height loss.