[Vertebral body metastases : From the clarification of back pain to the treatment decision].

Vertebral body metastases represent one of the most frequent manifestations of skeletal tumor dissemination and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained back pain, particularly in patients with a known history of oncological diseases. The associated morbidity, including spinal instability, deformity, pathological fractures and severe pain, is substantial. Healthcare professionals are regularly confronted with this complex clinical scenario in both outpatient and inpatient settings. A thorough medical history, especially the identification of red flags (e.g., prior trauma and/or malignancy) is critical. Early initiation of appropriate imaging studies, timely evaluation of the clinical urgency and expedited referral to specialized spine centers constitute the foundation for effective interdisciplinary treatment planning. This article outlines the key diagnostic and organizational principles required for the evaluation and further management of patients with vertebral metastases.