Osteoporotic compression fractures are a major cause of mid-thoracic and upper lower back pain in elderly women. This type of fracture is caused by osteoporosis, and not always by trauma, although fractures can occur from a fall. Patients may experience debilitating mid-thoracic and lower back pain, a decline in mobility, and a decline in the quality of life. Fractures cause a decrease in vertebral body height. Also, bone fragments from the upper(superior) or lower (inferior) portion of the vertebrae can be displaced into the spinal canal causing spinal canal stenosis and sometimes spinal cord compression.
Osteoporotic Compression fractures are best seen on CTs and MRIs. The best treatment plan is to f/u with your primary care physician or general practitioner for osteoporosis treatment and a neurosurgeon consult for a kyphoplasty as soon as possible. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to restore the vertebrae height by injecting cement into the cavity, thereby, reducing both skeletal and neuropathic pain.
References:
Jenis, L. (2016). OrthoInfo: Osteoporotic Compression Fractures
Jenis, L. (2016). OrthoInfo: Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osteoporosis-and-spinal-fractures/
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