The Global Spine Care Initiative: a review of reviews and recommendations for the non-invasive management of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture pain in low- and middle-income communities

Arthur Ameis, Kristi Randhawa, Hainan Yu, Pierre Côté, Scott Haldeman, Roger Chou, Eric L. Hurwitz, Margareta Nordin, Jessica J. Wong, Heather M. Shearer, Anne Taylor-Vaisey

October 2018, Volume 27, Issue 6, pp 861 - 869 Review Article Read Full Article

First Online: 16 October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to develop recommendations for non-invasive management of pain due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) that could be applied in medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and best evidence synthesis of systematic reviews on the non-invasive management of OVCF. Eligible reviews were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Low risk of bias systematic reviews and high-quality primary studies that were identified in the reviews were used to develop recommendations.

Results

From 6 low risk of bias systematic reviews and 14 high-quality primary studies we established that for acute pain management, in addition to rest and analgesic medication, orthoses may provide temporary pain relief, in addition to early mobilization. Calcitonin can be considered as a supplement to analgesics; however, cost is of concern. Once acute pain control is achieved, exercise can be effective for improving function and quality of life.

Conclusion

The findings from this study will help to inform the GSCI care pathway and model of care for use in medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries. Conservative management of acute pain and recovery of function in adults with OVCF should include early mobilization, exercise, spinal orthosis for pain relief, and calcitonin for analgesic-refractory acute pain.

Graphical Abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]

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