Study of treatment modalities and short term clinicoradiological outcome of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in adults

Abstract

Background: Vertebral compression fracture is the most common problem in old age causing incapacitating pain which produces significant morbidity, disability and mortality. On a global basis, Indians have the highest prevalence of osteopenia [1]. Compared to Western population, fractures related to osteoporosis in the Indians occur a decade earlier in age. On average 45 Lakh Indian females above 60yrs of age have a fractured spine compared to osteoporotic hip fractures every year which is 2.5 lakhs [2].Materials and Methods: Single centre prospective study was conducted in tertiary care centre in Maharashtra during the period of February 2019 to January 2021. Minimum period of follow up was 1 year. VAS Score, ODI Score were used to calculate the functional outcome. Results: The VAS Score in conservatively treated reduced from a mean of 8.2 preoperatively to 5.2 at 12 months. In surgically treated patients, the VAS Score reduced from a mean of 8 preoperatively to 2.4 at 12 months after balloon kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty whereas in posterior instrumented cases it reduced from a mean of 8.8 preoperatively to 2.5 at 12 months. Similarly ODI Score in conservatively treated patients reduced from a mean of 71.3 preoperatively to 47.1 at 12 months. In surgically treated patients the ODI Score reduced from a mean of 72.5 preoperatively to 26.1 at 12 months after balloon kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty whereas in posterior instrumented cases the ODI Score reduced from a mean of 73.6 preoperatively to 27.1 at 12 monthsConclusion: From this study we conclude that all the three methods of management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures are significantly effective but proper patient selection and timely intervention is of utmost importance of optimal outcome.