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Critical appraisal of physical rehabilitation measures after osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Osteoporosis International volume 14, pages 773–779 (2003)Cite this article

An Erratum to this article was published on 17 June 2006

Abstract

Osteoporosis is asymptomatic until fracture occurs. Fracture of the vertebral bodies can be "silent" and is diagnosed incidentally on radiographic visualization. The occurrence of spontaneous vertebral fracture in an otherwise healthy individual is considered pathognomonic of spinal osteoporosis. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures and kyphotic posture are no longer disorders about which nothing can be done. Resistive training exercises can decrease the risk of vertebral fractures. Proprioception generated within joints, ligaments, and muscles contributes to awareness of the relative orientation of functional units of the spine at rest and in motion. This is fundamental to posture, balance, and locomotion. Proprioception reeducation can be utilized for improving posture and balance. The focus of this review is rehabilitative measures for management of vertebral fractures.

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Acknowledgement

The author thanks Ms. Toni Stabile for her ongoing interest in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and for her continued support of our research and Ms. Sandy Fitzgerald for her expert secretarial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Mehrsheed Sinaki

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An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0139-5.

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Sinaki, M. Critical appraisal of physical rehabilitation measures after osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Osteoporos Int 14, 773–779 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-003-1446-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-003-1446-8

Keywords

  • Back resistive exercises
  • Balance
  • Fracture
  • Joint proprioception
  • Osteoporosis rehabilitation