Vertebral compression factors Flashcards
1
Q
How common are VCFs in women over 65?
A
-25%
2
Q
How common are VCFs in women over 80?
A
-40%
3
Q
How painful are acute VCFs?
A
Varies. Sometimes incapacitating, sometimes patients able to keep up normal function.
4
Q
How are actue VCFs typically managed?
A
Conservatively
5
Q
What is the gold standard of imaging to distinguish between acute and chronic-healed VCFs?
A
MRI, much better than Xray
6
Q
What are CT scans used for with regard to VCFs?
A
Detailed analysis of VCFs which impact the posterior column of the spinal cord.
7
Q
What are some effects of spinal fractures?
A
- Progressive spinal deformity
- Decreased lung capacity
- GI dysfunction
- increased risk of adjacent level fracture
- 23% increase in 1 year mortality risk
