Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture. Severity is assessed by determining the extent of vertebral height reduction and morphologic change. The main symptom is pain. But two-thirds of OVCFs are clinically silent and less than 10% require hospital admission. Radiographs are the only modality really necessary for diagnosis. MRI is the study of choice to determine the acuity of the fracture. To date, there is no gold standard treatment for these fractures. Conservative treatment is considered the first option. If pain continues after 6 weeks of non-surgical therapy, cementation techniques such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty are good options. Surgical decompression and stabilization are indicated in cases of progressive neurological deficit, as well as in cases of posterior longitudinal ligament injury and unstable spine. To reduce the risk of posterior vertebral fractures, we work as a team with the endocrinologist and evaluate the best therapeutic scheme.