Advertisement

Advertisement

Zain Nassrullah, 1 Germain Sophie Ngana MD, PhD,2 Markian Pahuta MD, PhD, FRCSC,3Mohammad Zarrabian MD, FRCSC,4 Daipayan Guha MD, PhD, FRCSC,5

1Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
2 Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

3 Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

4 Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

5 Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures are commonly encountered pathologies that can have a significant impact on mobility, quality of life, and overall morbidity. Here we review the diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors of osteoporosis, as well as the most recent recommendations for primary and secondary prevention. Additionally, the current treatment approaches of vertebral compression fractures are discussed, including the roles of non-operative and operative management, indications for surgical intervention, and the evidence available to support treatment decisions.
Key Words: osteoporosis, VCF, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
Osteoporosis has a very large disease burden in Canada, and vertebral compression fractures are one of its most common complications.
The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) should be used to calculate a 10-year risk of fractures in order to guide the management of osteoporosis.
A vertebral compression fracture should be suspected in patients with a history of osteoporosis presenting with acute low back pain.
Operative treatment options of vertebral compression fractures include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, both of which have been shown to be safe and efficacious in clinical trials.
Physical activity as tolerated should be encouraged as part of a conservative approach to managing a vertebral compression fracture.
Plain radiographs can be used to assess for the presence of vertebral compression fractures, while MRI sequences can be used in determining the acuity of vertebral compression fractures.
Vertebral augmentation is indicated in vertebral compression fractures if the pain is intractable and limits ambulation despite appropriate analgesic therapy.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, osteoporosis, VCF, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty