Managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebral body fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis. A thorough evaluation is needed to determine the patient's predisposition to fracture. Underlying disease states also should be addressed. Plain radiography is the standard imaging modality for spinal fractures; MRI also provides important information. Conservative treatment measures (eg, relative rest, narcotic analgesics, spinal orthoses, and extension-biased activities) are often used for pain relief, minimizing the sequelae of deconditioning, and maximizing function. Two minimally invasive percutaneous procedures, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, are available. Early vertebroplasty has been effective in pain relief and in precluding the adverse effects of deconditioning. Kyphoplasty has a presumed advantage of better restoration of vertebral body height and less risk of cement extravasation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]