Conservative Treatment of Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: To present updated information on the conservative treatment of osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSFs). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The treatments of osteoporotic spinal fractures are bed rest, pain medication, bracing, exercise and rehabilitation, and osteoporosis medication. However, there is disagreement about the outcomes of these treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: In the case of osteoporotic spinal fractures, analgesic administration, bracing, physical therapy, and exercise should be conducted. In order to prevent secondary fractures, bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, strontium ranelate, or parathyroid hormone, which has proven efficacy with respect to the prevention of secondary fractures, should be prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: We should actively prevent the occurrence of secondary fractures with fracture healing by implementing a proven effective treatment for osteoporotic spinal fractures.