ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the reported literature to guide the definition, assessment, and management of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)-induced vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Reporting of SBRT-induced VCF is typically restricted to patients without a history of prior invasive surgery. SBRT-induced VCF may occur as a sub-acute or late radiation effect on vertebral bone. Osteolytic tumor type has been shown to be a significant predictor of VCF. This factor has been identified by many published studies evaluating risk factors for VCF. The initial step in the radiologic assessment of VCF is to determine the treated vertebral body (VB) height, according to the baseline treatment planning computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As compared to CT, MRI has superior diagnostic accuracy for spinal metastases and allows visualization of any epidural and/or paraspinal soft tissue extension.
