Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3323605 Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 2007 19 Pages PDF
Abstract

Back pain in the elderly is a complex chief complaint, because numerous life-threatening or disabling conditions may present with signs and symptoms similar to those of more benign disease processes. An understanding of the limitations of physical examination and history distinguishing dangerous from benign causes is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and patient morbidity or mortality. This article describes the presentation and evaluation of dangerous causes of back pain, including vascular catastrophes, spinal cord compression syndromes, and infectious diseases. Less emergent musculoskeletal injuries are discussed briefly.

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Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Geriatrics and Gerontology
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