Osteoporosis: two-thirds of spinal fractures not diagnosed
22 October 2010
As many as two-thirds of spinal fractures remain undiagnosed and untreated, underlining a need for greater awareness of vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis, an international report has revealed.
The report, which was released on 15 October at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research conference, held in Toronto, Canada, found up to 25% of patients older than 50 had a vertebral fracture.
The authors encouraged doctors to check for vertebral fracture ‘red flags’, such as loss in height of more than 3 cm; sudden, severe back pain; or increased stoop.
Last Reviewed: 22 October 2010
- Genant HK, Bouxsein M. The breaking spine.
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