Insights on Operative Treatments for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar area are the second most common fracture after the fractures around the hip [1]. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) are often related to a minor trauma like a fall, or even may happen spontaneously, not related to any minor trauma and affect 117 per 100000 persons [2]. Standard therapy of these fractures consists of rest, analgesia and mobilization and is often poorly tolerated in this elderly population, with the adverse effects of analgesia and immobilization leading to associated health problems (poor cognition, increased risk of falls, constipation and nausea) [3]. OVF are associated with a greater impact on health-related quality of life than other fragility fractures [2].