However, he said, more and more such fractures are occurring in younger people who are vulnerable to fractures due to bone loss resulting from taking steroids for conditions such as asthma. Current treatment involves berets or use of unwieldy, uncomfortable body braces. Literally, any of the activities of daily living can cause the fractures in vulnerable patients. Typically, doctors wait about a week to see if the fracture pain will resolve on its own. If pain persists, the patient is x-rayed and a needle about the diameter of a cocktail straw is inserted into the fractured vertebrae.
Bone cement is used to fill tiny holes and crevasses inside the vertebra to shore up the bone.
The process takes about an hour and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer. All rights reserved.