title: Imaging and treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures.
abstract: SIFs are a common, though often unsuspected, cause of low back pain in the elderly. Although numerous radiographic modalities can be used to diagnose SIFs, bone scintigraphy and MR imaging are the most sensitive. Conservative management involves various combinations of bed rest, rehabilitation, and analgesics. More recently, sacroplasty has emerged as an alternative therapy for the treatment of SIFs, with prospective studies and case reports suggesting that it is a safe and effective therapy. This article reviews the imaging appearance of SIFs and discusses treatment options with a focus on sacroplasty.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiological Sciences, Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Lyders
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Whitlow
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012447:Sacrum / Q000293:injuries*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed