Clinical Updates: Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures in Primary Care

Clinical Updates: Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures in Primary Care is organized by National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Initial Date: Dec 01, 2019
Expiration Date: Dec 31, 2021

Accreditation:
Method of Participation in the Learning Process: Clinician learners will read and analyze the subject matter, conduct additional informal research through related internet searches on the subject matter, and complete a post-test assessment of knowledge and skills gained as a result of the activity.

After participating in this activity, the reader has the option of taking a post-test with a passing grade of 70% or better to qualify for continuing education credit for this activity. It is estimated it will take 1.0 hour(s) to complete the reading and take the post-test. Continuing education credit will be available for two years from the date of publication.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 continuing nursing education credit(s). Other healthcare providers will also be able to receive a certificate of completion; nurse practitioners and physician assistants may request an AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ certificate of participation.

Course Description:
While pain from vertebral compression fractures usually resolves spontaneously without treatment, some patients suffer debilitating pain despite optimal nonsurgical care. In these individuals, minimally invasive percutaneous vertebral augmentation can offer relief. The two most widely performed augmentation procedures are vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty. Both techniques use bone cement to stabilize crushed vertebral bone and, in the case of kyphoplasty, to restore a measure of vertebral height lost to compression. 

In this issue of Osteoporosis: Clinical Updates we will examine primary care management of VCF and the pain that can result. We will discuss effective pain control for new and recent fractures and for the potential consequences of multiple fractures. In the process, we provide a framework for patient-centered clinical decision making. 

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity the participant should be able to:
• Help individual patients weigh the pros and cons of various pain control medications for symptomatic vertebral compression fractures.
• Educate patients regarding effective non-pharmacologic therapies for controlling pain from vertebral compression fractures.
• Apply appropriateness criteria to identify patients suitable for advanced imaging, minimally invasive vertebral augmentation, and/or referral to specialty pain clinic.
• Create a comprehensive bone health and symptom management plan for patients with kyphosis from multiple vertebral fractures.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for individual patients.