Immobilization accelerates bone loss, thus compounding the problem.
The pain of an acute fracture usually lasts an average of four to six weeks, but it may persist for months and may never fully subside. Treatment has been largely conservative and directed toward pain control, usually through narcotic analgesia, bed rest and back-bracing. The procedure involved the percutaneous puncture of the fractured vertebral body, followed by injection of PMMA to provide bone augmentation and prevent further collapse. Associated major disability, such as inability to walk or perform ADLs, is almost always present. On examination, point tenderness on palpation over the fracture site is common.