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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

Published ahead of print on September 3, 2008
doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A1176

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:1816-1822, November-December 2008
© 2008 American Society of Neuroradiology

Review Article

Osteoporosis Primer for the Vertebroplasty Practitioner: Expanding the Focus Beyond Needles and Cement

A.E. Kearns^a and D.F. Kallmes^b

^a Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
^b Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Please address correspondence to David F. Kallmes, MD, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905; e-mail: kallmes.david{at}mayo.edu

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a common cause of vertebral compression fractures. Although vertebroplasty is used to treat the pain, the risk of additional compression fractures is very high in these patients. Adequate evaluation and management of the underlying osteoporosis is critical to reducing the risk of subsequent fractures. Such an evaluation involves understanding the underlying physiology of osteoporosis and the role of calcium, vitamin D, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes. This brief review is intended to familiarize neuroradiologists with these aspects so they can advise patients about optimizing fracture risk reduction.