What is a vertebral compression fracture?

Vertebral compression fractures occur when the bones of the spine break. The management of vertebral compression fractures is evolving. Vertebroplasty, a procedure where bone cement is injected into fractured vertebrae, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of pain and physical deformity that can result from chronic (occurs over time) vertebral compression fracture.

In short-term studies, calcitonin has been shown to reduce pain and physical dysfunction of acute (recent) vertebral compression fractures.

Data also shows that bisphosphonates can impact bone pain, but there isn't enough to recommend their use for pain management.