What began as a seemingly minor fall left a 75-year-old woman struggling with persistent mid-to-low back pain for nearly a year.Despite the absence of any major injury, the pain continued to affect her daily activities. In elderly individuals, such prolonged back pain following even a trivial fall can sometimes be linked to an underlying vertebral compression fracture, particularly when osteoporosis has weakened the bones.Further evaluation and imaging revealed an L2 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).
Vertebral compression fractures occur when the weakened bones of the spine collapse or lose height. Osteoporosis is one of the most common underlying causes, and these fractures can occur after relatively minor trauma that would not normally injure a healthy spine.
The patient was evaluated by Dr. Amogh Zawar, Consultant Spine Surgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, who recommended minimally invasive spine surgery to stabilise the fractured vertebra.
She underwent balloon kyphoplasty, an advanced spine surgery technique designed to stabilise the fracture while also helping restore some of the lost vertebral height.
During the procedure, a small access channel is created through the skin and a specialised balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is carefully inflated to create space and help restore the vertebral body’s shape. Once the desired correction is achieved, the balloon is removed and medical bone cement is introduced to stabilise the vertebra.
The entire procedure was completed in approximately **30 minutes under local anaesthesia**, using a needle-sized access point. No stitches were required, and the patient was able to return home the same day.
Explaining the case, Dr. Amogh Zawar, Consultant Spine Surgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said, “Osteoporotic vertebral fractures can easily be overlooked, especially when they follow what appears to be a minor fall. Persistent back pain in an elderly person should not simply be dismissed as age-related discomfort. In this patient, imaging helped identify the underlying vertebral fracture and allowed us to address the source of the pain with a minimally invasive approach.”
He added, “Balloon kyphoplasty provides mechanical stability to the fractured vertebra and can help restore vertebral height. Because the procedure is performed through a very small access point, selected patients can benefit from shorter procedure times and early mobilisation. However, the procedure addresses the fracture itself; the underlying osteoporosis also needs to be treated to reduce the risk of future fractures.”
Following the procedure, the patient’s recovery was monitored, and medical management for osteoporosis was continued to improve bone strength and reduce the possibility of additional fractures.
Doctors emphasise that osteoporosis can remain silent until a fracture occurs. In older adults, sudden or persistent back pain after a minor fall, a change in posture or height, or difficulty with movement should therefore warrant medical evaluation.
The case highlights the importance of looking beyond pain relief alone in elderly patients with vertebral fractures. Stabilising the damaged vertebra can address the immediate problem, while appropriate osteoporosis management remains essential to protect the spine and other bones in the longer term.
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