Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Medical, Social Aspects, Clinical Picture, Treatment and Medical Rehabilitation. A Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic skeletal diseases in the world, which is characterized by a decrease in bone tissue strength and an increased risk of fractures with minimal trauma, including pathological vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). VCFs are accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis due to a pronounced pain syndrome, sleep problems, decreased motor and social activity, a high risk of falls and fractures, the development of pathological spinal deformities, decreased lung capacity and increased number of comorbid diseases. In this regard, timely treatment and medical rehabilitation in patients with osteoporosis and VCFs are of particular importance to restore functionality, reduce the risk of developing new fractures, disability and death. MAIN CONTENT OF THE REVIEW. The literature review is the analysis of 7 domestic and 49 foreign literary sources, which was used to describe the prevalence, medical and social significance and clinical picture of osteoporotic VCFs. It provides data on modern methods of drug and non-drug treatment of patients with VCFs. The effectiveness and limitations of the use of physical therapy methods in the rehabilitation of patients with pathological spinal fractures are described in detail. CONCLUSION. It is concluded that VCFs pose a significant healthcare burden due to their high prevalence and negative impact on the quality of life of older patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporotic VCFs lead to the development of severe back pain, limited mobility, spinal deformities, loss of height and permanent disability. An effective strategy for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with osteoporotic VCFs should include the use analgesics, orthotics, correction of nutritional deficiency, elimination of vitamin D and calcium deficiency, modern methods of physical therapy, fall prevention and timely prescription of effective drugs for pathogenetic therapy of osteoporosis to reduce the risk of pathological fractures in the future and ensure a high level of functioning and of the quality of life.