A Progressive Spontaneous Cervical Compression Fracture Over Years Following Long-Term Corticosteroid Use

Spontaneous vertebral compression fractures in the cervical region can have a significant impact on a patient's condition even after surgical management. Due to the rarity of spontaneous cervical vertebral compression fractures and the lack of a comprehensive description of this condition, the establishment of a clear understanding of its natural course remains incomplete. In this case study, a 73-year-old woman on long-term corticosteroid therapy underwent combined anterior and posterior fixation for a spontaneous vertebral compression fracture at the C3-C4 level. The vertebral compression fracture gradually worsened over a span of four years. Following the surgery, the patient experienced a temporary improvement in her neurological symptoms. However, seven months after the second operation, an instrumentation failure resulted in the patient becoming bedridden. This highlights the importance of considering the potential long-term implications and monitoring patients closely even after surgical intervention.