Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone density, mass and strength. As it progresses, bones within the spinal column can become porous (full or small holes) and are vulnerable to fracture. These bones, called vertebrae, can also become weakened by cancer. A spine fracture—or vertebral compression fracture—occurs when one of the bones within the spinal column weakens and collapses. Such fractures can cause great pain, and left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems and/or permanent deformity.
What causes vertebral compression fractures?
Nearly one million vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occur in the United States every year and most are caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis decreases bone density, which makes bones more susceptible to VCF and other fractures. Caucasian and Asian women over 50 are at the greatest risk for osteoporosis, but it can also happen to men and women of other ethnicities. Other factors that increase risk include smoking, early menopause, low body weight and certain medications.
Studies have shown that individuals with a spine fracture are at higher risk for developing additional fractures, as well as reduced lung function, pneumonia, blood clots, loss of bladder or bowel control, loss of strength or mobility that contribute to decreased quality of life.1,2,3
What are my treatment options for vertebral compression fractures?
Many doctors first advocate conservative methods, such as back braces, pain medication, physical therapy and bed rest for treating VCFs. Unfortunately, these may take months to work and are not always effective. Also, during this time the chances of other complications increase.
Spinal fusion (lumbar fusion) surgery is sometimes recommended. This surgery joins the bones in the lower back together so there is no motion between them. While effective for some, fusion surgery includes risks such as nerve damage, infection and reduced mobility. Additionally, the vertebrae above and below the fused area may experience added stress and wear and tear, leading to a condition called adjacent segment disease.
North Star Vascular & Interventional offers two minimally invasive and clinically proven alternative solutions to treat vertebral compression fractures. Vertebroplasty repairs the fracture without open surgery, while kyphoplasty simultaneously repairs the fracture and restores height to the vertebrae, also without surgery. Both procedures provide near-immediate relief of pain and other symptoms.
You can learn more about these procedures by clicking here »
- Lindsay R, Silverman SL, Cooper C, et al. Risk of new vertebral fracture in the year following a fracture. JAMA. 2001 Jan 17;285(3):320–3.
- Kado DM, Browner WS, Palermo L, Nevitt MC, Genant HK, Cummings SR. Vertebral fractures and mortality in older women: a prospective study. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Jun 14;159(11):1215–20.
- Huang MH, Barrett-Connor E, Greendale GA, Kado DM. Hyperkyphotic posture and risk of future osteoporotic fractures: the Rancho Bernardo study. J Bone Miner Res. 2006 Mar;21(3):419–23.