Study of lumbar radiculopathy caused by osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between fracture pattern and the development of radiculopathy after osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture.

Materials and Methods: This study comprised 9 patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2016 and 2018 for osteoporotic compression fracture below the L2 level, leading to radiculopathy. Osteoporotic vertebral fracture was classified into 3 types and the frequency of root signs was investigated. Imaging evaluation of the vertebral fracture was carried out and endplate fracture on the cranial and caudal sides was recorded.

Results: The cause of radiculopathy was lumbar canal stenosis in 2 patients and lumbar foraminal stenosis in 6 patients. One patient had both conditions. Endplate fracture on the caudal side was observed in 4 of the 7 patients (57%) with lumbar foraminal stenosis. Three patients showed pedicle fracture and pseudoarthrosis following osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Conclusion: In this study, 7/9 (77.8%) cases of radiculopathy with osteoporotic vertebral fracture were caused by foraminal stenosis. Attention should be paid to foraminal lesions with endplate fracture and instability associated with osteoporotic vertebral fracture.