Multiple vertebral fractures associated with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis treated with teriparatide followed by kyphosis correction fusion: a case report.

Surgical treatment of multiple vertebral fractures in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is difficult because of a high rate of secondary fracture postoperatively. A case is described in which initial treatment with teriparatide to improve osteoporosis followed by treatment of kyphosis with correction fusion achieved a favorable outcome.
INTRODUCTION: Secondary fracture frequently occurs after treatment of vertebral fracture with vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, but effective treatment of multiple vertebral fractures has rarely been reported. Thus, a treatment of kyphosis following multiple vertebral fractures associated with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is required.
METHODS: The patient was a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis who was under treatment with oral alendronate, vitamin D, and elcatonin injection. Secondary multiple vertebral fractures occurred despite these treatments and low back pain gradually aggravated.
RESULTS: Vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty was not performed in the early phase. Instead, treatment with teriparatide was used for initial improvement of osteoporosis. Kyphosis in the center of the residual thoracolumbar junction was then treated with posterior correction fusion. At 2 years after surgery, the corrected position has been maintained and no new fracture has occurred.
CONCLUSION: There is no established method for treatment of multiple vertebral fractures caused by glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Initial treatment with teriparatide to improve osteoporosis followed by treatment of kyphosis with correction fusion may result in a more favorable outcome.