Managing and Preventing Spine Fractures
Vertebroplasty Treatment Example
An 83-year-old woman, with severe osteoporosis, developed sudden severe mid back pain that radiated to the front of the chest on both sides. This occurred when she bent over to pick up an object. The pain was constant and worse when she tried to get up from a lying position.
A primary care doctor initially examined her. Pain medications were given, but resulted in little pain relief. Additional imaging workup, including plain films and a CT scan, revealed an osteoporotic compression fracture of the T8 vertebra, which was consistent with the patient’s pain distribution and pattern.
Vertebroplasty was seen as the best treatment for pain relief and improved quality of life. Several days after the diagnosis, the vertebroplasty procedure was performed. The patient described the pain relief as “instantaneous”, and she was able to return to her normal daily routine.
However, approximately two weeks later, the pain returned but in a location that was slightly higher than the previous pain. X-rays revealed a new compression fracture at the T7 vertebra. This new fracture most likely occurred as a result of the patient’s underlying osteoporosis. Vertebroplasty was successfully performed on this new fracture as well. Pain relief was immediate and the once bed-ridden patient who had trouble standing upright returned to her normal activities of golf, walking and socializing with friends.
At the time of this writing, which is one year after treatment, the patient continues to do well with no additional fractures.
