Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

This study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) using the EuroQOL-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) index and to examine factors affecting QOL in patients with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

This ambispective study used a questionnaire interview. Patients over 50 years old with an OVCF at least 6 months previously were enrolled. Individual results were used to calculate the EQ-5D index. Statistical analysis was performed, and factors related to QOL were examined.

Of 196 patients in the study, 84.2% were female, with an average age of 72.7 years. There were 66 (33.7%) patients with multilevel fractures. Conservative management was used in 75.0% of patients, and 56.1% received anti-osteoporosis treatment. The mean EQ-5D index was 0.737±0.221 and was significantly correlated with the Oswestry disability index score (correlation coefficient -0.807, P<0.001). The EQ-5D index was significantly correlated with age (Spearman's rho=-2.0, P=0.005), treatment method (P=0.005), and history of fracture (P=0.044) on univariate analysis and with conservative treatment (P<0.001) and osteoporotic treatment (P=0.017) on multivariate analysis.

OVCF markedly lowers QOL in several dimensions for up to 12 months, even in patients who have healed. Treatment of osteoporosis and conservative treatment methods affect QOL and should be considered in OVCF management.