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Vertebral compression fractures: a review of current management and multimodal therapy
Received 5 February 2013
Accepted for publication 19 March 2013
Published 17 June 2013 Volume 2013:6 Pages 205—214
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S31659
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 3
Cyrus C Wong, Matthew J McGirt
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
Abstract: Vertebral compression fractures are a prevalent disease affecting osteoporotic patients. When symptomatic, they cause significant pain and loss of function and have a high public health impact. In this paper we outline the diagnosis and management of these patients, with evidence-based review of treatment outcomes for the various therapeutic options. Diagnosis involves a clinical history focusing on the nature of the patient's pain as well as various imaging studies. Management is multimodal in nature and starts with conservative therapy consisting of analgesic medication, medication for osteoporosis, physical therapy, and bracing. Patients who are refractory to conservative management may be candidates for vertebral augmentation through either vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
Keywords: vertebral compression fractures, osteoporosis, bracing, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty
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