Summary
The clinical picture of the osteoporotic fractures of the spine presents an heterogeneity in their intensity and duration. In 210 cases of osteoporotics with acute pain and radiological evidence of spinal fracture we separate their clinical picture in two groups. In Type I (121 cases) pain is acute and severe, improving gradually; the vertebral wedging is obvious from the beginning and remain unchanged. The duration of this event exceeds 4–8 weeks. In Type II (89 cases) pain is less and of shorter duration, but after 6–16 weeks a new attack of acute pain presents. This picture can be repeated for 6–18 months. Radiologically the fracture is not clear during the first attack but wedging gradually developed during the next months. Bone density of the lumbar spine (DPA) was measured in all cases. Type I had a significantly lower BMC than Type II. We suggest that patients with unclear vertebral fractures, minor symptoms and relatively high bone mass must classified in Group II and deteroriation can occur during the next months. Long term treatment and additional orthopaedic prevention is needed. In Group I a short term calcitonin treatment helps early relief and mobilization.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bohr, H., Schaadt, O. Bone mineral content of femoral bone and the lumbar spine measured in women with fracture of the neck by dual photo absorptiometry. Clin Orthop Rel Res 1983, 179, 240–245.
Christiansen, C., Riis, B.J. Comparison of non-invasive techniques for measurements of bone mass in postmenopausal women In: Osteoporosis Update 1987, Ed: Genant, H.K., 1987, 81–85.
Ettinger, B., Block, J.E., Smith, R., Cummings, S.R., Harris, S.T., Genant. H.K. Do vertebral deformities produce physical disabilities? In: Osteoporosis 1987. Eds: Christiansen, C., Johansen, J.S., Riis, B.J., Osteopress ApS 1987, 53–57.
Finsen, F., Back pain among the old. The revelance of osteoporosis. In: Osteoporosis 1987, Eds: Christiansen C., Johansen, J.S., Riis, B.J., Osteopress ApS 1987, 65–67.
Kanis, A., Treatment of osteoporotic fracture. Lancet 1984, 27–32.
Kleerekoper, M., Parfitt, A.M., Ellis, B.I., Measurement of vertebral fracture rates in osteoporosis, In: Osteoporosis, Eds: Christiansen, C., Arnaud, C.D., Nordin, B.E.C., Parfitt, A.M., Peck, W.A., Riggs, B.L., 1984, 103–109.
Johnston, C.C., Norton, J., Khairi, M.R.A., Kernek, C., Edouard, C., Arlot,. Meunier, P.J. Heterogeneity of fracture syndromes in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinology Metabol 1985, 61, 551–556.
Jensen, G.F., Christiansen, C., Boesen, J., Hegedus, V., Transbol, I. Relationship between bone mineral content and frequency of postmenopausal fractures. Acta Med Scand 1983, 213, 61–63.
Lyritis, G.P., Karachalios, T., Tsakalakos, N., Androulakis, C., Misitzis, A., Papathanasiou, B., The importance of SPA., bone histomorphometry and radiology in the evaluation of risk of fracture in the osteoporotic patient. In: Osteoporosis 1987, Eds: Christiansen, C., Johansen, J.S., Riis, B.J., Osteopress ApS 1987, 384–386.
Lyritis, G.P., Ioakimidis, D., Kyritsis, G., Tsekoura, M., Grivas, T. The problem of osteoporosis in Greece. Risk factors and its financial and social cost, Iatriki 1987, 51, 455–564.
Meunier, P.J., Bressot, C., Edouard, Vignon, E., Alexandre, C., Courpron, C., Laurant, J., Radiological and histological evaluation of post-menopausal osteoporosis treated with sodium fluoride, vitamin D, calcium. Preliminary results. Cemo, 1978, 263–273.
Minaire, P., Mallet, E., Levernieux, J., Schoutens, A., Attali, G., Caul in, F. Recent findings in treatment of acute osteoporosis in various models. In: Osteoporosis 1987, Eds: Christiansen, C., Johansen, J.S., Riis, B.J., Osteopress ApS, 1987, 1253–1255.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lyritis, G.P., Mayasis, B., Tsakalakos, N. et al. The natural history of the osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Clin Rheumatol 8 (Suppl 2), 66–69 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207237
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207237