Spine fractures, the most frequent osteoporotic fracture, can cause severe chronic pain, spinal deformity, and functional disability, leading to a diminished quality of life and increased mortality. They are also associated with psychological distress like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Early detection and proper management by health-care professionals are crucial to enhancing patient outcomes.
Lora Giangregorio, Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging, was a key contributor to The Royal Osteoporosis Society’s new guidance for health-care professionals to improve the management of spine fractures. Giangregorio’s research in managing osteoporosis with exercise informed this work, including a recent consensus process on the non-pharmacological management of spine fractures, led by her former PhD student Matteo Ponzano, in collaboration with Heather Keller, Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging.
The guidance promotes a multidisciplinary approach and stresses the importance of early detection, proper treatment, comprehensive pain management, nutrition, and exercise. The implementation of the guidance will hopefully lead to improved outcomes for patients, including reduced pain and increased mobility.
Giangregorio said she and the research team will build upon this progress to improve quality of life for more people.

“Our next step is to work with the Fragility Fracture Network to develop a model of care for people with spine fractures, and to improve care in countries all over the world.”