Discuss the basic epidemiology, presentation, investigation, management and prognosis of spinal fracture Flashcards
True or False?
Vertebral fractures are the least common fracture linked to osteoporosis
False
They are almost 2x as common as other fractures linked to osteoporosis
Identify the vertebral fracture(s)
What is the prognosis of vertebral fractures linked to osteoporosis?
In the majority of people, the fractures heal in 3 months without any complication
How do vertebral fractures linked to osteoporosis present?
- Loss of height
- kyphotic deformity of the spine
What are vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis also known as?
Compression fractures
How do you investigate vertebral fractures?
- X-ray
- refer to investigations for osteopenia and osteoporosis
Which demographic is most affected by vertebral fractures?
Men
(men:women, 13.8% : 11.8%)
What does this X-ray show?
A vertebral fracture cascade
How are vertebral fractures managed, and why?
- aimed at controlling pain with analgesia
- the fractures are stable
How does pain present in vertebral fractures?
- thoracic or lumbar back pain after a minor fall
- some patients do not experience pain
Identify the vertebral fracture(s)
How are vertebral fractures identified on X-ray?
loss in vertebral body height relative to normal adjacent vertebra or relative to
What is this?
Kyphotic deformity of the spine
