Spine & Arthritis · NEET PG Preparation Orthopaedics
A 70-year-old postmenopausal woman presents with sudden onset severe acute back pain after lifting a light grocery bag. She has a history of prolonge…
Practice question from Spine & Arthritis (NEET PG Preparation Orthopaedics), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · MCQ · Q-4E12FB
A 70-year-old postmenopausal woman presents with sudden onset severe acute back pain after lifting a light grocery bag. She has a history of prolonged corticosteroid use. Physical examination reveals localized tenderness at the mid-thoracic spine with no neurological deficits. Plain radiographs show anterior wedging of the T12 vertebral body. What is the most appropriate initial management for this fragility fracture?
- A.Immediate open decompression and instrumented fusion
- B.Conservative management with analgesics, bracing, and anti-osteoporotic therapyCorrect answer
- C.External halo-vest immobilization for 12 weeks
- D.High-dose intravenous pulsed corticosteroids
Solution
Acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are typically managed conservatively with pain control, short-term bracing, and early initiation of osteoporosis treatment (e.g., bisphosphonates). Surgery (vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty or fusion) is reserved for cases refractory to conservative care.
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