Management Trend and Attitude Regarding Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Comparative Study Between Surgeons and Internists

Abstract

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is the most common form of osteoporotic fracture, both surgeons and internists included in the management of that. This study aimed to identify whether a discrepancy exists between spinal surgeons and internists in the diagnosis and management of OVCF.Method: This comparative study included 124 spinal surgeons and 47 internists in the WeChat group of the Society of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research. They were sent a self-administered electronic questionnaire that asked about practice pattern, diagnosis trend, and management choice in OVCF management. The validity of the survey was examined in advance.Results: A significantly higher percentage of surgeons obtained T2-weighted images scan with fat suppression than internists. A significantly higher proportion of spinal surgeons provided surgical treatment as first-line treatment and considered fracture as the most important aspect in OVCF management than internist. No significant difference was observed in the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, in performing laboratory examination, or in the collaboration rate between the two groups.Conclusion: Differences exist between internists and spinal surgeons in imaging diagnosis, choice of therapeutic schedule, and attitude to osteoporosis treatment in the management of OVCF.