title: Vertebral Fractures: Clinical Importance and Management.
abstract: Vertebral fractures are common and can result in acute and chronic pain, decreases in quality of life, and diminished lifespan. The identification of vertebral fractures is important because they are robust predictors of future fractures. The majority of vertebral fractures do not come to clinical attention. Numerous modalities exist for visualizing suspected vertebral fracture. Although differing definitions of vertebral fracture may present challenges in comparing data between different investigations, at least 1 in 5 men and women aged >50 years have one or more vertebral fractures. There is clinical guidance to target spine imaging to individuals with a high probability of vertebral fracture. Radiology reports of vertebral fracture need to clearly state that the patient has a "fracture," with further pertinent details such as the number, recency, and severity of vertebral fracture, each of which is associated with risk of future fractures. Patients with vertebral fracture should be considered for antifracture therapy. Physical and pharmacologic modalities of pain control and exercises or physiotherapy to maintain spinal movement and strength are important components in the care of vertebral fracture patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Electronic address: davidkendler@gmail.com.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kendler
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.affiliation: University of Victoria, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dian
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medicine, Oncology, and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Oregon Osteoporosis Center, Portland.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: McClung
authors.affiliation: Colorado Center for Bone Research, Lakewood.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Park Nicollet Health Services, Park Nicollet Osteoporosis Center, Minneapolis, Minn; Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Schousboe
authors.affiliation: Prohealth Clinical Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.affiliation: New Mexico Clinical Research and Osteoporosis Center, Albuquerque.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Lewiecki
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Diagnosis; Fracture; Osteoporosis; Treatment; Vertebral