An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) comprehensive core set for vertebral fragility fracture

PURPOSE: To develop a comprehensive ICF Core Set (ICF-CS) for vertebral fragility fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The development of ICF-CSs involves three phases: i) systematic literature review and qualitative studies; ii) linking process to identify the ICF codes and categories; iii) international consensus process. i) We performed a literature search and qualitative studies with people with vertebral fragility fractures and healthcare professionals; ii) We linked the findings from the search and qualitative studies to the ICF categories, and drafted the proposed ICF-CS; iii) We performed an international consensus process involving experts with clinical or research experience in management of vertebral fragility fractures. RESULTS: We identified 40 categories (second level categories, n = 28; third level categories, n = 11; and fourth level category, n = 1) from the international consensus process. Sixteen categories pertained to body functions and structures impairments, n = 12 to activity limitations, n = 4 to participations restrictions, and n = 7 to environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The new ICF-CS for vertebral fragility fracture reports the consequences of vertebral fragility fractures in terms of body impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, while taking into account personal and environmental factors that increase the negative impact of vertebral fragility fractures and hinders the access to care.