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Vertebral compression fractures
Let's treat the untreated VCF patient, together
The majority of vertebral compression fractures go undiagnosed1
Early recognition and intervention can help patients avoid fracture progression, prolonged pain, loss of mobility and additional complications associated with untreated vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).2,3
Each year, roughly one million people in the United States experience vertebral compression fractures7
2 in 3
often go undiagnosed and untreated8
Typical signs of a vertebral compression fracture2,3
Back pain
Limited spinal mobility
Vertebral body height loss
Deformity/disability
Common causes of VCFs9,10
- Osteoporosis
- Hemangiomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Metastatic bone disease
- Traumatic
Why early diagnosis matters
VCFs, caused by thinning bones, tumors or other complications, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.11
It is estimated that approximately 50% of women and 25% of men will experience an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.12
higher risk of death at one year
when treated with conservative management versus vertebral augmentation11
higher mortality risk in older women
with vertebral fractures and increasing hyperkyphosis13
Do you have a treatment plan for patients with vertebral compression fractures?
iVAS® Elite balloon system
OmniCurve® curved balloon system
SpineJack® system
Connect with a rep to learn more about vertebral augmentation solutions
At Stryker, we are partnering with you to make healthcare better. Reach out to discover our interventional solutions that are designed to help relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Thank you!
How Janet recovered from a vertebral compression fracture
After experiencing persistent lower back pain following a fall, Janet consulted her physician and was diagnosed with a T11 vertebral compression fracture (VCF).
Janet worked with Dr. Jason Smith to review her treatment options before undergoing kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to help restore function to her spine. “She did great. She was able to move and came in on her own at two weeks without any sort of independent devices, like a brace or walker. She was back to doing her normal things pretty quickly,” says Dr. Smith.
- Li Y, Yan L, Cai S, Wang P, Zhuang H, Yu H. The prevalence and under-diagnosis of vertebral fractures on chest radiograph. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Jul 18;19(1):235. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2171-y. PMID: 30021567; PMCID: PMC6052683.
- Alexandru D and So W et al. Evaluation and management of vertebral compression fractures. The Permanente Journal. 2012;16(4):46-51.
- Langdon J et al. Vertebral compression fractures – new clinical signs to aid diagnosis. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2010; 92(2):163-166.
- Broy SB. The Vertebral Fracture Cascade: Etiology and Clinical Implications. J Clin Densitom. 2016 Jan-Mar;19(1):29-34.
- Silverman SL. The clinical consequences of vertebral compression fracture. Bone. 1992;13 Suppl 2:S27-31.
- Yang HL, Zhao L, Liu J, et al. Changes of pulmonary function for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after kyphoplasty. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2007; 20: 221–25.
- Cleveland Clinic. Compression fracture: What it is, symptoms & treatment. [Updated Aug 2024, Accessed Jul 2026]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21950-compression-fractures
- Boden S. (2013, May). When back pain is a spine compression fracture. Retrieved June 4, 2025 from: https://spine-health.com/conditions/osteoporosis/when-back-pain-a-spine-compression-fracture.
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2020). Vertebral compression fractures. Retrieved from: https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Vertebral-Compression-Fractures. Accessed: August 18, 2023.
- Vertebral compression fracture [Internet]. OrthoReference; [updated 2026 Dec 18; cited 2026 Jul 24]. Available from: https://orthoreference.org/conditions/vertebral-compression-fracture
- Edidin A et al. Morbidity and mortality after vertebral fractures: Comparison of vertebral augmentation and nonoperative management in the Medicare population. Spine. 2015; 40(15):1228-1241. Accessed: August 18, 2023.
- National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis fast facts. Retrieved from: https://cdn.nof.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Osteoporosis-Fast-Facts.pdf. Accessed: August 18, 2023.
- Kado DM, Lui LY, Ensrud KE, Fink HA, Karlamangla AS, Cummings SR; Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Hyperkyphosis predicts mortality independent of vertebral osteoporosis in older women. Ann Intern Med. 2009 May 19;150(10):681-7. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-150-10-200905190-00005. PMID: 19451575; PMCID: PMC2711520.
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