Vertebral Compression Fractures in Osteoporotic and Pathologic Bone. A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Management

Normal Bone Physiology.- Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Osteoporosis.- The Economic Burden of Osteoporosis.- Evaluation and Medical Management of Vertebral Osteoporosis - Preventing the Next Fracture.- Biomechanics of Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Pathologic vertebral compression fractures: diagnosis and management.- History, Physical Exam and Differential Diagnosis of Vertebral Compression Fracture.- Radiographic Diagnosis of Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Natural History and Long Term Sequelae of Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Medical, Interventional, and Orthotic Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Outcomes of Non-Operative Management and Vertebral Augmentation of Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Vertebroplasty Cement Augmentation Technique.- Kyphoplasty Cement Augmentation Technique.- Management of Spinal Deformity in the Setting of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.- Operative Treatment of Pathologic Compression Fractures of the Spine.- Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Adjacent to Previous Spinal Fusion.- Surgical Strategies In Osteoporotic Bone.- Sacral Insufficiency Fractures.- Future Treatment Strategies.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common type of fracture secondary to osteoporosis. These fractures are associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality and annual direct medical expenditures of more than $1 billion in the United States. This book presents a concise review of the diagnosis, management and treatment of vertebral compression fractures, discussing best practices for evaluation and radiographic diagnosis of vertebral compression fractures, as well as both non-operative and operative treatment options, including cement augmentation.

Opening chapters discuss both normal bone physiology as well as the pathophysiology of osteoporotic bone, and the evaluation and biomechanics of VCF, both osteoporotic and pathologic. Examination, radiography and long-term sequelae of VCF are then presented. The bulk of the remainder of the book focuses on medical, non-operative and operative management strategies, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty cement augmentation, management of spinal deformity, VCF adjacent to previous spinal fusion, and sacral insufficiency fractures. A final chapter on future treatment strategies rounds out the presentation.

Spinal Compression Fractures in Osteoporotic and Pathologic Bone is ideal for orthopaedic trauma, spine, and neurosurgeons. The book is also intended for endocrinologists, rheumatologists, interventional radiologists, physiatrists, anesthesiologists, primary care physicians, and other practitioners who manage and treat patients with osteoporosis.

Reviews and Awards

"It is very useful for teaching medical students/residents as well as medical extenders like nurse practitioners and physician assistants. ... This book is well written and covers an important and common condition. It will be useful in helping practitioners reach clinical decisions, as well as explain the condition to patients and colleagues. It is an essential read for people who treat pathologic compression fractures in their practice." (Ashish Upadhyay, Doody's Book Reviews, May 29, 2020)

Author Information

Afshin E. Razi, MD, Vice Chairman, Director, Orthopedic Residency Program, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Stuart Hershman, MD , Spine Surgery and Complex Spinal Reconstruction, Massachusetts General Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston, MA, USA