Future Treatment Strategies

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are injuries which can commonly be prevented with proper screening and treatment. Many different medications are currently used to treat osteoporosis, and several procedures have been developed to address subsequent compression fractures. While these medications and techniques have reduced patient morbidity and mortality, there is substantial room for improvement. This chapter describes some of the latest screening tests, medications, and devices which will likely be used in the management of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.