Kummell’s Disease is Becoming Increasingly Important in an Aging Society: A Review

Abstract

Kummell’s disease (KD) is referred to as delayed posttraumatic vertebral collapse, avascular necrosis of vertebrae, or ischemic vertebral collapse. KD is no longer rare in an aging society. It is mainly caused by minor trauma, and nonunion occurs secondary to avascular necrosis at the vertebral body fracture site, which can lead to vertebral kyphosis or intravertebral instability. Clinical symptoms of KD range from no symptoms to severe paralysis due to nerve injury. KD is considered a complication of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, and conservative treatment, including osteoporosis treatment, is important. Timely interventions such as vertebral augmentation or surgery, with active regular follow-up are necessary before the onset of neurological deficits due to osteonecrotic collapse in patients with suspected KD. In this study, we summarize the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of KD, which is showing increasing prevalence in an aging society. We have presented a literature review and discussed clinical guidelines and therapeutic strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with KD.

Letter to the Editor: Commentary on Kummell’s Disease Is Becoming Increasingly Important in an Aging Society: A Review (Korean J Neurotrauma 2023;19:32-41)

“…I recently had the opportunity to engage with a well-structured review paper on Kummell’s disease, which I found insightful. 5) This paper proved to be instructive not only for me but also for the readership of the Korean Journal of Neurotrauma . Kummell’s disease, as defined by the authors in the introduction, refers to a condition characterized by delayed post-traumatic vertebral collapse, avascular necrosis of the vertebrae, or ischemic vertebral collapse.…”

Letter to the Editor: Commentary on Open Surgery for Osteoporotic Compression Fracture Within One Month of Single Level Balloon Kyphoplasty (Korean J Neurotrauma 2023;19:348-355)

“…There is a high likelihood of cement leakage, while bone fragment dislocation or posterior wall displacement may also occur during the procedure, necessitating careful execution and continuous follow-up after the procedure. 1 5 7) However, there are some shortcomings in this paper. Many recent studies have identified sex, age, bone mineral density, spine alignment, and anti-osteoporosis treatments as risk factors for refracture in patients with OCF following vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty .…”