Vertebral Compression Fractures Causes The bones in your spine are called vertebrae. In a spinal compression fracture, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. This condition is commonly caused by osteoporosis and less often by tumor or trauma. This patient is experiencing acute back pain along with these additional symptoms and would benefit from seeing a specialist about a possible VCF. Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” causes bones to become weak and brittle. Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) due to osteoporosis often occur while doing something that causes relatively minor strain to the spine, such as opening a window or making the bed. Symptoms It is not uncommon for someone with back pain to be unaware of the fact that she or he has actually fractured a vertebra. The main indications of vertebral compression fractures typically include one or more of the following: • Sudden onset of back pain • Worsening back pain when standing or walking • Limited spinal mobility • Height loss • Deformity and disability Now there’s an outpatient solution that safely and effectively reduces pain and improves mobility caused by vertebral compression fractures. Patient Information: Patient Name: Age: Referring Physician: Referring Physician Phone: Patient Exhibited: Sometimes a compression fracture in the spine may not cause any back pain or other symptoms. If you experience height loss, have limited ability to twist and bend, and/or develop a deformity in the spine, it is important that you talk to your doctor. Literature Number: 1000-992-000 Rev A DDM/Foremost Copyright © 2008 Stryker Printed in USA Sudden onset of back pain Pain located: Pain that worsens when standing or walking Pain interferes with patient’s ability to perform daily activities Pain hasn’t responded to bed rest and medication Limited spinal mobility Family history of osteoporosis Diagnosed with osteoporosis Consequences VCFs are usually followed by sharp back pain, and may lead to chronic pain, kyphosis or dowager’s hump, loss of height, and a progressive decline in health, often referred to as the “downward spiral.” Since one fracture can lead to another, it is important that VCFs be diagnosed and treated early. Do you suffer from back pain? Height loss Other symptoms: Relieving pain. Improving lives. Interventional Pain Management 725 American Ave Waukesha, WI 53188 Phone: 262.787.4020 Most people regard back pain as an unavoidable consequence of aging. But for roughly 700,000 men and women the pain is a result of painful vertebral compression fractures. Stryker Vertebroplasty is a safe and effective procedure that offers quick relief, increased mobility, and restored quality of life without open surgery. Appt. Date & Time: Printed on FSC-certified paper manufactured with electricity in the form of renewable energy (wind, hydro, and biogas), and includes a minimum of 30% post-consumer recovered fibe

Treatment Options Traditional treatment for vertebral compression fractures includes bed rest, pain medication, muscle relaxants, external back braces, and physical therapy. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatment or who continue to have severe pain may be helped by an outpatient procedure called Stryker Vertebroplasty. This minimally invasive treatment is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, alleviating possible complications of general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays. It is quick and simple to perform, results in a 90% or better reduction in pain, and...