195The Impact of Vertebral Fractures on Health Related Quality of Life in Osteoporotic Patients Attending a Bone Heath Service

Abstract

Background: Vertebral fractures are a common complication of osteoporosis and are associated with back pain and functional impairment, which can influence mood and lead to depression. This can have a negative impact on patient health related quality of life (HRQOL). We investigated the effect of vertebral fractures on HRQOL in osteoporotic patients. Method(s): A cross sectional study was carried out amongst patients attending a bone health service for osteoporosis assessment. 50 patients with vertebral fractures and 50 patients with no vertebral fractures were included. All patients completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO) on first attendance. Each patient received a Dual Emission xray absorptimetry (DXA). Vertebral fractures were diagnosed by a lateral vertebral assessment (LVA). The QUALEFFO is a disease specific HRQOL questionnaire targeting fracture assessment specific to patients with vertebral fractures. It comprises 41 questions in 5 domains: Pain, Physical Function, Social Function, General Health Perception and Mental Function. Result(s): 50 community dwelling patients in each group. 5:1 female to male ratio. Mean age 71 years (Range 31-92). 62% patients had previous fractures with 69% taking bone health medication on presentation. 14% were treatment naive and 21% were on calcium and vitamin D supplements only. Vertebral fracture patients were older, had a higher prevalence of non-vertebral fractures. They experienced more pain (p = 0.004), reduced physical function (p = 0.02), were more socially isolated (p = 0.03) and reported a significant reduction in perceived general health (p = 0.04) and perceived QoL (p = 0.001). Conclusion(s): Our results support previous findings that HRQOL is significantly decreased in patients with vertebral fractures. It highlights the importance of preventing, diagnosing and treating vertebral fractures to reduce their negative impact on HRQOL.