28th May 2025

A 77-year-old lady presents to her GP with lumbar back pain.

A 77-year-old lady presents to her GP with lumbar back pain. This started as an acute pain 4 months ago and is now a persistent dull ache, with minimal improvement with analgesia. She has no neurological signs and her daughter reports that she appears shorter in stature. Her history includes polymyalgia rheumatica, managed with long term steroids for the past year.

What is the probable diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.