Substantial Atrophy of the Psoas Muscle as Late Sequela of L2 Osteoporotic Fracture: a Case Report.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are considered benign and heal after 8-12 weeks. Nevertheless, up to one third of these patients will have persistent back pain, which may be complicated with neurologic deficit or paraplegia A unique unusual case of delayed onset of neurological complication of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) in an elderly patient is reported. The patient presented with paraparesis due to isolated substantial atrophy of the psoas muscle 12 months after the initial fracture. The patient was investigated with imaging and nerve contacted studies. We suggest that psoas muscle atrophy can be determinant clinical sign to diagnose neurological compromise resulting from OVF, even if there is no other clinical indicators of spinal pathology.