Neurological deficits after osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Cheng Li Lin, Ruey Mo Lin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that gradually reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and weakens bone structures. A clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis is defined as male or female patients aged >50 years who have had fragility fractures involving the hips, proximal humerus, spine or wrist with or without a history of falls from a standing height. Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are frequently encountered in the aged population after minor trauma due to the osteoporotic bone quality. The incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) is still increasing because of the improving life expectancy. The localized pain related to OVF may cause functional disability of daily living, insomnia and depression. Moreover, osteoporosis impairs healing of vertebral fractures, causing a decrease in vertebral body and intervertebral disc height and aggravating local kyphosis, eventually resulting in spinal column instability and neural canal compromise, which may require surgical intervention. However, some clinical challenges should be taken into consideration when performing surgical treatment for OVF, including fragile vertebrae, age and serious comorbidities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOsteoporosis Of The Spine
Subtitle of host publicationAsian Perspectives
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co.
Pages694-707
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9789811220814
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021 Jan 19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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