[Vertebral osteonecrosis. Apropos of 4 cases with slow spinal cord compression in 1 case]

The authors report on four cases of aseptic osteonecrosis of the vertebral body in adults (VON). Among these, one patient, in whom histological data were available, presented with a slow spinal cord compression syndrome (SSCCS). This complication is uncommon since only one other similar case has been reported so far (4). VON thus remains an underestimated etiology of SSCCS by non-tumoral compression fracture of the vertebral body. Diagnosis is based on the roentgenograms which evidence osteocondensation with "gaseous dissection" of the vertebral body, the latter being considered as pathognomonic of this disease. The etiopathogeny is still unknown. Treatment is purely symptomatic and the course has always been favorable.