Effectiveness of Physiotherapy for Osteoporotic Spinal Fracture

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy for Vertebral Osteoporotic Fracture: a Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of physiotherapy on impairments and health-related quality of life in people with a painful osteoporotic spinal fracture. It is hypothesised that physiotherapy will reduce impairments and improve quality of life in this patient group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• if female, at least five years post-menopause
• aged > 50 years
• primary osteoporosis defined as DXA T score < -2.5 at either the spine or proximal femur with at least one morphometric vertebral crush fracture sustained between 3 months to 2 years previously
• back pain/discomfort in thoracic or lumbar region felt at least weekly within the last 6 months
• stable dose of medication for treatment of osteoporosis (eg. hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates)
• community dwelling and able to attend for treatment
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• secondary causes of bone loss such as osteomalacia, glucocorticoid medication etc.
• co-morbidities that would interfere with participation in exercise such as severe heart or pulmonary disease, inflammatory joint disease, severe osteoarthritis, psychiatric condition
• acute vertebral fracture in past 3 months
• signs and symptoms arising from nerve root compression
• back pain radiating into the lower limb
• previous participation in a formal pain management program for back pain
• physiotherapy for back pain in the past 6 months
• allergic reaction to adhesive tape or poor skin condition that would prevent use of tape