Palpation of the thoracic spine
Tenderness is elicited by percussion of the spinous processes of the thoracic spine, with the patient leaning forward.
Midline tenderness at the thoracolumbar border is commonly caused by collapse of the T12 or L1 vertebrae:
- in the elderly this is usually caused by minimal trauma to an osteoporotic vertebra
- in a young patient more force is required e.g. a fall from scaffolding
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