Non-pharmacological management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: Patient perspectives and experiences

Abstract

Objective: To understand perceptions on rehabilitation after vertebral fracture, non-pharmacological strategies, and virtual care from the perspective of individuals living with vertebral fractures.

Design and setting: We conducted semi-structured interviews online and performed a thematic and content analysis from a post-positivism perspective.

Participants: Ten individuals living with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (9F, 1 M, aged 71 ± 8 years).

Results: Five themes emerged: pain is the defining limitation of vertebral fracture recovery; delayed diagnosis impacts recovery trajectory; living with fear; being dissatisfied with fracture management; and "getting back into the game of life" using non-pharmacological strategies.

Conclusion: Participants reported back pain and an inability to perform activities of daily living, affecting psychological and social well-being. Physiotherapy, education, and exercise were considered helpful and important to patients; however, issues with fracture identification and referral limited the use of these options. Participants believed that virtual rehabilitation was a feasible and effective alternative to in-person care, but perceived experience with technology, cost, and individualization of programs as barriers.

Keywords: exercise; experiences; healthcare; lived experience; non-pharmacological; osteoporosis; patients; physiotherapy; qualitative; rehabilitation; remote care; semi-structured interviews; vertebral fractures; virtual care.