118.The following is a radiograph of a 72-year-old man who presented to
the ED complaining of gradually worsening back pain that he describes as
constant and dull. He denies nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hematuria.
Which of the following is an important predisposing factor for the devel-
opment of the condition seen in this individual?
102 Emergency Medicine
a. Atherosclerosis
b. Hyperparathyroidism
c. Ethanol abuse
d. Prostate cancer
e. Hernia
(Reproduced, with permission, from Tintinalli J, Kelen G, Stapczynski J.Emergency Medicine
A Comprehensive Study Guide. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2004: 407)