Vertebral body fractures can either be compression fractures, i.e. the vertebral body is compressed, comminuted fractures i.e. the vertebral body has burst apart, or wedge fractures (on the anterior or posterior border). Almost half of all cases of vertebral fracture affect the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine.

Vertebral fractures require tremendous force unless damage is already present through a reduction in bone density (osteoporosis / loss of bone mass) or through disease (e.g. cancer with secondary tumours in the spine).

Occasionally vertebral fractures can be entirely without symptoms, but generally the affected segment is tender to pressure, percussion and compression. A bony protrusion or a palpable gap in the row of bony spines down the back is rarely felt. The mobility of the spine is often restricted by pain, a protective posture is adopted and muscular tension develops. If the spinal cord is also involved, then corresponding disturbances or even deficits occur below the injury. These include paralysis, sensory disorders or unnatural reflexes. Depending on the level of the vertebral fracture and the degree of spinal cord damage, severe cases may result in complete paraplegia.