Evaluation and management of vertebral compression fractures

Abstract

Compression fractures affect many individuals worldwide. An estimated 1.5 million vertebral compression fractures occur every year in the US. They are common in elderly populations, and 25% of postmenopausal women are affected by a compression fracture during their lifetime. Although these fractures rarely require hospital admission, they have the potential to cause significant disability and morbidity, often causing incapacitating back pain for many months. This review provides information on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of compression fractures, as well as clinical manifestations and treatment options. Among the available treatment options, kyphoplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty are two minimally invasive techniques to alleviate pain and correct the sagittal imbalance of the spine.

Figure 1

X-ray images of vertebral compression fracture: a) x-ray images of vertebral compression fracture with anterior wedging (white arrow) b) computed tomography scan of biconcave vertebral compression fracture (black arrow) c) T2 weighted magnetic resonance images of wedge vertebral compression fracture (white arrow), and biconcave vertebral compression fracture (black arrow).