Transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of back pain caused by vertebral osteoporosis.

Pain relief for patients with osteoporosis is important to maintain mobility and facilitate physical therapy. Transdermal fentanyl may be useful but has not been studied systematically. Patients with at least one osteoporotic vertebral fracture requiring strong opioids were enrolled and received transdermal fentanyl. Treatment history, pain, ease of physical therapy, and quality of life were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks. Of 64 patients enrolled, 49 completed the study; 12 withdrew because of adverse events, most commonly nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Pain at rest and on movement decreased significantly from baseline to final assessment (mean scores 7.84 and 8.55, respectively, at baseline, falling to 3.56 and 4.50 after 4 weeks). Quality of life improved significantly, and 61% of patients were satisfied with the treatment. Ability to undergo physical therapy improved significantly. Transdermal fentanyl is useful for the treatment of severe back pain caused by osteoporosis.