![]() Traditional treatments for VCFs include bed rest, medication and back bracing. Left untreated, VCFs are associated with an increased risk of future fractures, chronic pain, spinal deformity, and kyphosis all of which can dramatically impact patients’ quality of life 3. However, an estimated two-thirds of vertebral fractures do not come to clinical attention and under diagnosis and treatment of vertebral fractures is a worldwide problem. The incidence of VCFs is higher than hip fractures and breast cancer combined. With an estimated 1.4 million vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occurring worldwide each year 1, VCFs are the most common fracture caused by osteoporosis 2. She went on to have a bone density scan and her anti-resorptive bone medications were adjusted. She went home the same day and quickly returned to all activities and stopped analgesia. Within a few hours of waking up from the anaesthetic she was able to stand, with almost complete relief of her back pain. ![]() She saw a spine surgeon who recommended balloon kyphoplasty which she underwent a few days later. Two weeks later an X-ray confirmed a compression fracture in her lower back. Her friend had read an article in the newspaper about osteoporotic fractures in the spine and suggested she have an X-ray. She also noticed that she was more bent forwards when trying to stand. Unfortunately the analgesia made her feel generally unwell and constipated with little relief of her pain. She saw her GP who initially diagnosed a back strain and prescribed strong pain killers. She struggled to move, stand and walk due to severe back pain. One morning while vacuuming the house she developed severe back pain. ![]() Margaret is 72 years old and has osteoporosis like her mother. Any abnormality indicates damage to the nerves.Ĭompression fractures can be treated using both conservative treatment methods as well as surgical correction.Undiagnosed and Under treated! NICE recommends Balloon Kyphoplasty Case Study
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