Abstract
Introduction
Surgical treatments are usually preferred in patients with Kümmell’s disease since it represents a failure of conservative treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture without evidence of spontaneous healing. However, the risk of postoperative refractures is much higher in patients with glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) than in those with primary osteoporosis, possessing a therapeutic challenge and dilemma to orthopaedic surgeons.
Case report
We described a rare cluster phenomenon of vertebral refractures in a patient with GIOP subsequent to segmental internal fixation for the initial management of glucocorticosteroid-induced Kümmell’s disease, and a review of the literature.
Conclusion
Our patient illustrates that clinicians should be aware of the significant management dilemma and possible disastrous outcome after surgical interventions for glucocorticosteroid-induced Kümmell’s disease and, thus, pay much more attention to comprehensive perioperative antiosteoporotic medications for patients with GIOP in current medical treatment.
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The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital, and informed consent was obtained from the patient to publish the details of her case.
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Zhang, C., Wen, T., Li, C. et al. Cluster phenomenon of vertebral refractures after posterior pedicle screw fixation in a patient with glucocorticosteroid-induced Kümmell’s disease: a treatment dilemma. Arch Osteoporos 16, 93 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-021-00941-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-021-00941-6