The Frequency of Spontaneous Vertebral Fracture in Geriatric Patients and the Relationship of Vertebral Fractures with Age: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective:Vertebral fractures impair the quality of life in the geriatric patients and increase their economic costs. In this study, we aimed to identify spontaneous vertebral fracture rates and associated risk factors in the elderly.Materials and Methods:Patients over the age of 65 years who were admitted to our physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic with back pain between January 2018 and June 2018 were examined retrospectively. A total of 136 patients with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures were included in this study. Data regarding osteoporosis treatment, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure and thyroid dysfunctions as well as vitamin D levels were recorded for all patients.Results:The mean age of the patients (female/male: 119/17) was 73.9±6.6 years. Spontaneous vertebral fractures were detected in 74 patients (54.4%). Vertebral fractures were concentrated in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar regions. The patients were divided into the following two groups: Group 1 (65-74 years old) and group 2 (≥75 years old). Moreover, the rate of vertebral fracture was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p˂0.05). Regression analysis revealed that age, female gender and the presence of osteoporosis were associated with vertebral fractures.Conclusion:Vertebral fractures increase dramatically in geriatric patients. Furthermore, advanced age is an independent risk factor for vertebral fractures. Due to the high diagnostic and treatment costs as well as negative impacts of vertebral fractures on the quality of life, its diagnosis and treatment must be performed in a timely manner for the geriatric patients.

Keywords

• geriatrics
• age
• vertebrae
• fracture
• osteoporosis