Evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis in patients undergoing spine surgery

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition among adults that causes degenerative changes to the microarchitecture of bone and can have implications for patients undergoing spine surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons can evaluate patients pre-operatively for osteoporosis through both laboratory screening as well as imaging studies. Perioperative optimization of patients with osteoporosis includes treatment with medications such as bisphosphonates and intermittent parathyroid hormone. Furthermore, intraoperative techniques such as cement screw augmentation may also be utilized. These treatment modalities have shown efficacy in reducing osteoporosis-related complications following surgery. Management of osteoporosis in spine surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patients perioperatively to maximize patient function and pain relief.