SACRAL INSUFFICIENCY FRACTURES IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: A REPORT OF TWO UNUSUAL CASES AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, 2019 · DOI: 10.2340/20030711-1000019 · Published: October 4, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

Longevity in patients with spinal cord injury continues to improve with increased awareness and improved management. However, along with improved longevity secondary complications may occur, including sacral insufficiency fracture, which is difficult to diagnose and can affect quality of life. Conservative management with bed rest is a viable option.

Study Duration

12-week follow-up

Participants

2 male patients with long-standing SCI

Evidence Level

Case Report & Review of Literature

Key Findings

1
Radiological investigation with computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated sacral insufficiency fractures in both cases.
2
Following a diagnosis of osteoporosis, treatment with bisphosphonates was commenced.
3
There was an improvement in symptomatology at the 12-week follow-up.

Research Summary

Sacral insufficiency fractures should be considered in differential diagnosis as a cause of autonomic dysreflexia and other vague symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury. Radiological investigation with computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated sacral insufficiency fractures in both cases. Conservative management with bed rest is a viable option.

Practical Implications

Early Diagnosis

Awareness of SIFs and their possible occurrence as a differential diagnosis in patients with chronic SCI presenting with vague symptoms can result in early diagnosis.

Conservative Management

Conservative management with bed rest is a viable option for managing SIFs.

Improved Quality of Life

Early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to good resolution of symptoms and improved quality of life for patients with SCI.

SACRAL INSUFFICIENCY FRACTURES IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: A REPORT OF TWO UNUSUAL CASES AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Diagnosis

Conservative Management

Improved Quality of Life

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

SACRAL INSUFFICIENCY FRACTURES IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY: A REPORT OF TWO UNUSUAL CASES AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Early Diagnosis

Conservative Management

Improved Quality of Life

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?