Living with OI: Information on

Vertebral Compression
Fractures

Compression fractures are a common, painful problem for children and adults
804 W. Diamond Ave., Ste. 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
who have OI. This occurs when an injury causes the spinal bone or vertebra to
fracture and collapse (compress). This type of fracture can be painful when it
(800) 981-2663
(301) 947-0083
happens, but can also cause ongoing back pain. The goal of treatment is to
encourage healing, keep the spine stable, restore function and reduce or
Fax: (301) 947-0456
Internet: www.oif.org
eliminate pain. It can take 3 months or more to fully heal.
Email: bonelink@oif.org
Compression fractures often occur because of a severe jolt to the spine, or
The Osteogenesis because the spine has been weakened by osteoporosis. The basics about
Imperfecta Foundation, Inc.
is the only voluntary national
compression fractures are no different for people with OI than for the general
health organization population except that they happen more frequently when OI is involved.
dedicated to helping people
cope with the problems
associated with Symptoms:
osteogenesis imperfecta.
The Foundation's mission is • Sudden, severe back pain
to improve the quality of life • The pain gets worse when you stand up or walk, or bend over
for people affected by OI
through research to find • Chronic back pain that doesn’t seem to get better
treatments and a cure,
education, awareness, and
• Loss of height
mutual support. • Worsening of pre-existing spine curves
• Other signs can include hip pain, and breathing problems

Pain:
• Spine fractures can be very painful.
• Some people report a sudden sharp pain.
• Some people only report a chronic backache
• Some people will continue to have pain even after the fracture has
healed.

Treatment:
It can take two or three months for this type of fracture to heal. Doctors
familiar with OI recommend starting with the standard treatment. Whether a
surgical procedure such as vertebroplasty is an appropriate treatment for those
with slow healing compression fractures can only be decided on a case-by-
case basis.
Standard Treatment:
• Limited bed rest
• Pain medicines – often a mix of over the counter and prescription drugs
• Activity modifications: no lifting, bending, or twisting
• Gradual return to activities
When healing is delayed or pain is difficult to manage a soft or rigid brace or back support may
be prescribed. These must be carefully fitted and monitored to avoid putting pressure on the ribs
that can cause new fractures.

Surgical Procedures
• When there is severe incapacitating pain
• When healing is delayed
• When bone fragments are present
Any procedure should be done by a doctor who not only is skilled in the procedure but also has
experience caring for people with OI.

After Care:
Anyone who has had a compression fracture will always need to be careful to stand, lift and bend
carefully. Activities that jolt the spine such as some amusement part rides; roads with lots of
potholes; or jumping down from even a moderate height should be avoided. Steps to take after
the fracture has healed include:
• A gradual return to normal activities following guidance from your doctor
• Chair cushions to provide support to the lower spine
• Getting up out of a desk chair at least a few minutes every hour
• A gradual return to exercise such as walking and/or swimming.
• Some doctors recommend treatment with one of the osteoporosis drugs, to
address the underlying bone weakness.
• Literature written for people with osteoporosis can often provide useful information
about how to stand, sit and move in ways that protect the spine.

For more information about osteogenesis imperfecta contact:

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation

804 W. Diamond Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Tel: 800-981-2663 (free of charge) or 301-947-0083
Fax: 301-947-0456
Internet: www.oif.org
E-mail: bonelink@oif.org

September 2007