Vertebral compression fractures among older adults

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) are the hallmark of osteoporosis, yet two-thirds of all VCF remain undiagnosed and untreated. Both symptomatic and occult VCF are associated with considerable increases in morbidity and mortality, hospitalization rates, admissions to long-term care, and health care-related costs. These fractures increase the risk of future osteoporotic fractures, both vertebral and nonvertebral, independent of bone mineral …