Osteoporosis, Hyperkyphosis, Vertebral Body Fracture
Conditions
Keywords
osteoporosis, Hyperkyphosis, vertebral body fracture, rehabilitation
Brief summary
Multiple vertebral fragility fractures, one of the main complications of osteoporosis, are frequently associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis, which in turn leads to significant postural alterations. These biomechanical changes may increase fall risk, posing a critical clinical issue for elderly patients. However, the results of studies investigating the association between hyperkyphosis and fall risk are conflicting, highlighting the need for further research. This study aims to explore the correlation between the severity of thoracic kyphotic curvature and fall risk in patients with multiple fragility fractures undergoing osteoporosis treatment. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the role of physiotherapy in improving patients' functional and postural outcomes. A retrospective observational study was conducted, supplemented by a narrative literature review to contextualize the findings. Forty patients undergoing treatment at the Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation Unit (UOC) of P. Giaccone University Hospital in Palermo were enrolled and followed up via biannual phone interviews. Data were collected between May 2023 and May 2024, with a longitudinal assessment of outcomes from T0 (baseline) to T1 (12 months). The severity of the kyphotic curve was quantified using the Cobb method, while fall risk was assessed through the Berg Balance Scale. Participation in physiotherapy programs was analyzed to evaluate their impact on clinical and functional outcomes.
Interventions
Group A patients came to our department to perform rehabilitation treatment. They underwent rehabilitation treatment for a total of 20 rehabilitation sessions, performed on a daily basis lasting 60 minutes, on a 1:1 basis with a physical therapist, . They performed postural re-education and posterior kinetic chain strengthening exercises.
OTHERNone Treatment
Group B patients did not undergo rehabilitation treatment. They underwent subcutaneous Teriparatide drug treatment on a daily basis for the treatment of osteoporosis
Sponsors
University of Palermo
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Women aged ≥65 years. * Presence of at least three documented vertebral fragility fractures. * Diagnosis of thoracic hyperkyphosis
Exclusion criteria
* History of orthopedic surgeries involving the spine or lower limbs. * Treatments for cerebrovascular diseases. * Presence of balance disorders. * Active oncological diseases. * Use of walking aids
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of Hyperkyphosis | At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1); | Cobb's method by 2p radiographic examination of the whole spine |
| Number of falls in the last year | At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1); | Evaluation of the number of falls in the last year |
| Balance | At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1); | Assessment of balance by means of the Berg Scale |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed