Vertebral insufficiency fractures as a cause of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with chronic tetraplegia: A case report

Osteoporosis is a known complication in spinal cord injury patients and can result in an increased risk of fractures and associated morbidity. Bone demineralization is most common in long bones below the level of injury. The pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with chronic spinal cord injury who was found to have multiple vertebral compression fractures causing autonomic dysreflexia and new onset spasticity. This case illustrates the need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and prevention for this disease process.