Osteoporotic fractures of the spine in elderly women Risk factors inducing factors and course

Abstract:  [Osteoporotic fractures of the spine in elderly women. Risk factors, inducing factors and course] [Article in Danish] Hansen SE, Christensen TH, Kryger P. Bispebjerg Hospital, K?benhavn, reumatologisk afdeling H. Forty-seven women with osteoporotic fractures of the spine were examined consecutively. The age range was 64-91 years with a median of 77 years. Risk factors for osteoporosis such as induced menopause or gastric resection were not present. Four patients had had rheumatoid arthritis. 19% had been treated with glucocorticoid. Only one patient had received long-term oestrogen treatment. The patients had been physically very active at a younger age and 91% had been occupationally employed. The symptoms frequently commenced with a fall or strain by lifting at home. The average period of hospitalization was 22 days. Thirty-four patients were followed-up after 6-12 months. All of them experienced pain and 74% still took analgesics. Fifteen out of the 19 patients who had been fitted with a supportive corset still employed this. PMID: 1539391 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]