Balance impairment and fragility vertebral fractures

Postural instability and increased risk of falls are relevant problems in patients with fragility vertebral fractures (VFs). The inter-relationship between flexed posture (FP), VFs and altered balance control is complex and only partially elucidated. The purpose of the study is to identify key factors of balance impairment in osteoporotic patients with VFs. In particular, we focused on the role of FP, number and severity of VFs and their relationships with clinical and static balance instrumental measures. Secondary aim of the study is to investigate possible correlations of stabilometric parameters with clinical and functional outcome measures. The results showed no significant correlations between static balance parameters and FP, number and severity of VFs. Stabilometry measures weakly correlate with age, 20 meters Walking Test and Barthel Index. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying balance impairment in patients with VFs with the aim of identifying early clinical and instrumental markers of poor balance and fall's risk.