ISSN: 1758-4272

International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology

Osteoporotic Spine Top Open Access Journal

 Osteoporotic fractures (fragility fractures, low-trauma fractures) are those occurring from a fall from a standing height or less, without major trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture [1]. They often occur at the midthoracic (T7-T8) spine and the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1). Fractures may result in significant back pain, limited physical functioning and activities of daily living, and can lead to loss of independence, depression, and chronic pain. Osteoporotic fracture is an important risk factor for subsequent fracture.   As we get older, our bones thin and our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks. Fractures caused by osteoporosis most often occur in the spine. These spinal fractures — called vertebral compression fractures — occur in nearly 700,000 patients each year. They are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as broken hips and wrists. Osteoporotic spinal compression fractures are associated with significant performance impairments in physical, functional, and psychosocial domains. Most are isolated fractures of the anterior spinal column related to low bone mineral density. Postmenopausal women and patients taking long-term corticosteroid therapy are most susceptible. The causative mechanism is a combination of flexion and axial compression loading. It is important to exclude the possibility of pathologic fracture due to malignancy or infection. Treatment frequently involves pain relief, temporary use of an orthosis (e.g., Jewett/Lumbar brace or thoracolumbosacral orthosis) and walking aids (e.g., stick, elbow crutches, all-terrain rollator). Radiographic and clinical follow-up is required every 6 weeks for 3 months post-injury.

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