Fish Vertebra
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Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview
A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD

Diagnosis:

Osteopenia

Discussion:

Originally coined for the changes of senile osteoporosis, biconcave deformities of the vertebral bodies ("fish vertebrae") are characteristic of disorders in which there is diffuse weakening of the bone. The name is derived from the actual appearance of a fish vertebrae which normally has depressions in the superior and inferior surfaces of each vertebral body. This sign is typically used for osteopenia.


Lateral L-spine - Click on the image for a larger version

References:

bulletReynolds J.: A re-evaluation of the “fish vertebra” sign in sickle-cell hemoglobinopathy. Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med. 1966 Jul;97(3):693-707 Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med 1966 Jul; 97(3):693-707.          [See related articles]
bulletKaplan PA, Orton DF, Asleson RJ: Osteoporosis with vertebral compression fractures, retropulsed fragments, and neurologic compromise. Radiology 1987. Nov 165(2):533.          [See related articles]
bulletResnick DL: Fish vertebrae. Arthritis Rheum 1982 Sep;25(9):1073-7.          [See related articles]

 

 

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Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview
A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD