Treatment of Osteoporotic Spine Fractures Using Cement Augmentation: A Mini Review

Abstract

Vertebral body compression fractures due to osteoporosis is the most common fracture in patients with osteoporosis.1
 It affects significantly the quality of life (QoL) and is associated with 
pain interfering with activities of daily living. The management of osteoporotic vertebral body 
fracture could be surgical or non-surgical. Medical treatment is focused on better mineralization of bone to stop osteoporosis or to improve the quality of bone. Any underlying metabolic 
abnormalities and provision of supplemental calcium/vitamin D in conjunction with bisphosphonates or calcitonin, or both. Routine hormone replacement therapy has fallen out of favor 
because of concerns regarding adverse effects identified in long-term follow-up studies. In 
many cases, the vertebral body fracture is significant and requires surgical intervention. This 
can be achieved by sagittal alignment correction and vertebral body height restoration utilizing 
pedicle screw instrumentation or by using cement augmentation. This article will focus on cement augmentation options.