Management for osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Abstract

The majority of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) recover from their symptoms without surgery. But some OVF cases have the risk of delayed neurological deficits caused by neural compression from a proceeding deformity of the vertebral body. And once the patients have OVF, it is well known that their risks for another osteoporotic fracture increase. This downward spiral ultimately results in the loss of healthy life and an increase in mortality. In today’s “super-aged society” our neurosurgeons also encounter OVF patients not only in surgical situations but also at outpatient clinics. So we have to be aware of the clinical options for treating osteoporosis.