Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
Abstract
- 2023;5;271-274 A Sudden Change in Vertebroplasty Candidacy in an Elderly Man with Lumbar Compression Fractures: A Cautionary Case Report
Case Report
Yashesh Parekh, MD, and Moorice Caparo, MD.
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the leading cause of vertebral fractures, often requiring multimodal and interventional pain management, in elderly adults. Selection of vertebroplasty candidates, timing, and evaluation for risk factors is crucial for optimal results.
CASE REPORT: A 73-year-old man with acute on chronic lower back pain with radicular symptoms, was found to have osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fractures with anterior and posterior column involvement. Initially an optimal vertebroplasty candidate, after re-evaluation with a computed tomography scan, showed significant displacement. Given the patient’s radicular pain, he was successfully treated with transforaminal epidural steroid injections.
CONCLUSION: The selection of vertebroplasty candidates is a delicate process to prevent complications. This case opens the discussion for the need to further study the profiling and monitoring of patients for potential changes in candidacy, a current gray area.
KEY WORDS: Back pain, case report, compression fracture, osteoporosis, vertebroplasty