Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures

➢ The incidence of vertebral compression fractures is increasing, particularly in elderly populations and postmenopausal women, in whom low bone mineral density is a key underlying factor.➢ Conservative management remains the first-line treatment option due to its high success rate and avoidance of surgical complications. When surgical intervention is necessary, cement augmentation via kyphoplasty and via vertebroplasty remain the most common options.➢ Kyphoplasty may be favored over vertebroplasty, especially in patients with severe preoperative kyphotic deformities, as kyphoplasty has a lower risk of adjacent vertebral fractures and demonstrates a greater reduction of the kyphotic deformity.➢ Consideration of restoring proper local spinal alignment is essential in preventing adjacent vertebral fractures and maintaining long-term spinal stability.