Spinal fractures - common problem for the elderly

By Kim Sang-hyuk

As we grow older, many changes occur in our body. Most commonly, the elderly experience a rapid drop in bone density. This may result in osteoporosis, which makes bone susceptible to fracture even with the slightest impact.

In addition, about a half of people aged 70 or over have experienced osteoporotic fracture; thus, it is important to understand how to manage this condition.

Osteoporotic fractures are found more often among women than among men, since women innately have less dense bone and experience greater loss in bone density after menopause due to the lack of estrogen. Therefore, middle-aged women should pay great attention to the importance of avoiding osteoporotic fracture.

Osteoporotic spine compression fracture may occur without any specific trauma incidents.

Osteoporosis may result in a fracture in any part of our body; however, spinal fractures represent 30-35 percent of osteoporotic fractures. The critical point is that osteoporotic spine compression fracture may occur without any traumatic impact, as the bone becomes extremely weak from osteoporosis.

When the bone is healthy, the vertebrae are stronger than the spinal disc; however, if the vertebra becomes weak due to bone loss, then the spinal disk is stronger than the vertebra and compresses the spine, resulting in a spinal fracture. The usually occur while bending forward, and kyphotic deformities are commonly found when such fractures occur.

An osteoporotic spine fracture is a serious disease in itself, but it may result in other aftereffects that require additional attention.

People with a previous spinal fracture are five times more likely to experience fractures in other parts of the body. Also, it has been found that the mortality rate is higher after spinal fracture.

If fractured bone pieces enter the spinal canal and compress the nerve, it may cause paralysis and treatment may become more complicated; if conservative treatment is not effective, vertebroplasty is performed.

Osteoporotic spine fractures are susceptible to secondary damage, such as additional micro-fractures, so appropriate treatment should be performed immediately. First, a conservative treatment including medication, exercise and a brace should be performed to observe the spine condition. If the condition does not improve even after conservative treatment, then vertebroplasty should be considered.

Vertebroplasty is a surgical treatment which injects bone cement into the fractured vertebrae to restore the vertebrae to its original form; however, the injected cement may result in acute shock or allergic reaction, or may spread to the pulmonary blood vessel, or leak into the spinal canal. Thus, this procedure should be performed by a spinal surgeon and performed after consulting with the specialist.

Vitamin D is critical to avoiding bone loss and fracture.

A spine compression fracture may be repeated; thus, it is best to maintain healthy bone to prevent osteoporosis.

There is a study indicating that 65 percent of osteoporotic spine fracture cases are due to a lack of vitamin D. It means keeping a sufficient level of vitamin D is important to prevent fractures and bone loss.

Vitamin D is created by your skin in the sun, so taking a daily walk outside for 30 minutes helps maintain your level of vitamin D. Also, egg yolk, shitake mushrooms, and blue fish are recommended for vitamin D. Moreover, regular exercise helps strengthen the joint and spinal muscles and enhances one’s sense of balance, which makes the chance of falling less likely.