Abstract
Vertebral fractures are the most common fractures in patients with osteoporosis; however, the biggest part of them never comes to clinical attention. Symptoms and secondary deformities can reduce the heath-related quality of life, and increase the risk of mortality. Vertebral fractures can be treated conservatively or surgically by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. In this study, we report an overview on the osteoporotic vertebral fractures management, focusing on the most used approaches. Although effectiveness of all these approaches is defined, surgical procedures can lead to higher short-term benefits about relief of pain, improved vertebral body height, physical function and quality of life; the rate cost-effective for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty appears definitely higher.
Highlights
Vertebral fractures are the most common fractures in patients with osteoporosis [1,2,3] (Figure 1)
Patients with a previous vertebral fracture present a higher risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures, especially during the first year, and an increased risk of mortality until 23%, with an expectation of life in 5 years reduced of 16% [5,18,19,20,21].With a world that took to an aging population, the incidence of osteoporosis and of vertebral fractures is predicted to increase [12]
No differences in pain relief after conservative or surgical treatment was seen over time; this means that the same result can be reached by the two procedures
Summary
Vertebral fractures are the most common fractures in patients with osteoporosis [1,2,3] (Figure 1). The hospitalization rates of patients with vertebral fractures in Italy between 2004 and 2006 were 27.6% [11] Symptoms such as constant back pain and physical limitations following a vertebral fracture are referred by about 40% of patients [12]. Patients with a previous vertebral fracture present a higher risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures, especially during the first year, and an increased risk of mortality until 23%, with an expectation of life in 5 years reduced of 16% [5,18,19,20,21].With a world that took to an aging population, the incidence of osteoporosis and of vertebral fractures is predicted to increase [12]. The aim of this study was to review the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, about conservative management, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
