A quick overview:
Osteoporotic vertebral body fracture (vertebral fracture)
Vertebral body fractures usually occur under the influence of large forces, for example in the event of a fall. In people with osteoporosis, bone density and bone mass are reduced. The bones are porous and can break more easily, for example when lifting objects, gardening or even coughing or sneezing. Oft The vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are usually affected. Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures often only occur in old age, but younger people can also suffer from osteoporosis.
The vertebral body fractures can cause the back to curve. This hunchback is also known colloquially as a widow's hump. In order to avoid further vertebral fractures, appropriate therapeutic measures should be initiated
In addition to vertebral fractures, osteoporosis can also have other consequences: Get an overview in our infographic on the effects of osteoporosis.
Symptoms of an osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture
A vertebral fracture is usually accompanied by severe pain. Before the doctor takes an X-ray to make an exact diagnosis, there are signs that may indicate a vertebral fracture. These include
- Pressure, tapping and compression pain in the affected area
- Elevation or palpable gap in the spinous process
- Restricted mobility of the spine
- Gentle posture
- Hardening of the muscles
If the spinal cord is also affected, corresponding disorders or neurological deficits may occur below the fracture level, for example:
- Bladder and bowel emptying disorders
- Sensory disturbances
- Exaggerated or weakened reflexes
- Symptoms of paralysis
Caution: Vertebral fractures can occasionally be symptom-free!
Treatment for vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis
A vertebral fracture is treated conservatively or surgically depending on the type of fracture, the extent of the damage and the impairment of the person affected. Which method is best suited to treating a vertebral fracture - especially in older people - depends on the individual case, for example whether the fracture is stable or unstable.
The healing time of a vertebral fracture depends heavily on the age and state of health of the person affected. In younger people, the healing time is six to 12 weeks, while in older people it often takes much longer.
Conservative treatment for stable vertebral body fractures
Overall, stable fractures are more common than unstable ones
In its therapy guidelines developed by doctors, the German Osteology Association (DVO) recommends wearing a spine-straightening orthosis such as the Spinomed back orthosis after acute, stable osteoporotic vertebral body fractures.1
Surgical treatment of unstable vertebral fractures
In the case of unstable osteoporotic vertebral body fractures, surrounding structures are often also affected by fracture fragments. The fractured vertebral bodies are then surgically stabilised. Indications for surgery may include neurological deficits, persistent severe pain or the inability to mobilise. Other components of guideline-compliant therapy are medication and exercise concepts. 2 Patient self-management - especially with regard to exercise and diet - can have a positive influence on the course of therapy.
Tipp: Sharing experiences with other osteoporosis sufferers can be very helpful. Look for a self-help group and benefit from the experiences of others.
Free download: Our infographic shows an overview of the treatment options in osteoporosis therapy.
Products from medi: Spinomed back orthoses
Osteoporosis patients used to wear a rigid corset after a vertebral fracture. Today, there are Spinomed back orthoses that adapt to the natural movement sequence, fit securely and are comfortable to wear.
These spinal straightening orthoses can be prescribed by a doctor if medically necessary. They contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of life of affected people: Spinomed back orthoses reduce the widow's hump, i.e. the curvature of the spine (kyphosis angle). The tensile effect causes the trunk muscles on the back and abdomen to tense reflexively (= biofeedback). This has been proven to strengthen the core muscles, relieve pain, reduce the kyphosis angle and everyday restrictions. The effect of Spinomed back orthoses has been confirmed in two clinical studies. Dadurch kann die Lebensqualität deutlich verbessert werden. 2, 3
Further building blocks of osteoporosis therapy in accordance with the guidelines are medication and movement concepts.2
Diagnosis & treatment
Product tip
Diagnosis & treatment
Sources:
1 DVO. Prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men aged 50 and over 2023. Published online at: register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/183-001 (last accessed 10 October 2024)
2 Pfeifer M et al. The effects of a newly developed back orthosis on posture, trunk muscle strength and quality of life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. A randomised trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83(3):177-186.
3 Hettchen M et al. Effects of the "Spinomed active" orthosis on chronic back pain in kyphotic women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures three months and older: A randomised controlled study. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2022 Dec;3:1038269.
Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe compression stockings, e.g. from medi if necessary.
Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.
