PM04 OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL CRUSH FRACTURES – PRESENTATION AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Vertebral crush fractures can be symptomatic in a quarter of patients. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic osteoporotic vertebral crush fractures increase the risk of future fractures, both vertebral and non‐vertebral fractures e.g. 1 vertebral fracture triples the risk of another vertebral fracture over one year and almost triples the risk of hip fracture in women over 65 years of age. Medications such as bisphosphonates can reduce (approximately halve) the risk of subsequent fractures when combined with adequate calcium and vitamin D. This needs to be combined with strategies to reduce falls. The efficacy and side effects of the available medications will be reviewed.