Relationship Between Thoracic Hyperkyphosis and Fall Risk in Women with Fragility Vertebral Fractures
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Sponsor
- University of Palermo
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Degree of Hyperkyphosis
Overview
Brief Summary
Multiple vertebral fragility fractures, one of the main complications of osteoporosis, are frequently associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis, which in turn leads to significant postural alterations.
These biomechanical changes may increase fall risk, posing a critical clinical issue for elderly patients. However, the results of studies investigating the association between hyperkyphosis and fall risk are conflicting, highlighting the need for further research.
This study aims to explore the correlation between the severity of thoracic kyphotic curvature and fall risk in patients with multiple fragility fractures undergoing osteoporosis treatment.
Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the role of physiotherapy in improving patients' functional and postural outcomes.
A retrospective observational study was conducted, supplemented by a narrative literature review to contextualize the findings. Forty patients undergoing treatment at the Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation Unit (UOC) of P. Giaccone University Hospital in Palermo were enrolled and followed up via biannual phone interviews. Data were collected between May 2023 and May 2024, with a longitudinal assessment of outcomes from T0 (baseline) to T1 (12 months).
The severity of the kyphotic curve was quantified using the Cobb method, while fall risk was assessed through the Berg Balance Scale. Participation in physiotherapy programs was analyzed to evaluate their impact on clinical and functional outcomes.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Case Control
- Time Perspective
- Retrospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 65 Years to — (Older Adult)
- Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Women aged ≥65 years.
- •Presence of at least three documented vertebral fragility fractures.
- •Diagnosis of thoracic hyperkyphosis
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of orthopedic surgeries involving the spine or lower limbs.
- •Treatments for cerebrovascular diseases.
- •Presence of balance disorders.
- •Active oncological diseases.
- •Use of walking aids
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Degree of Hyperkyphosis
Time Frame: At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1);
Cobb's method by 2p radiographic examination of the whole spine
Number of falls in the last year
Time Frame: At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1);
Evaluation of the number of falls in the last year
Balance
Time Frame: At the baseline specialist assessment (T0); After one year from the baseline specialist assessment (T1);
Assessment of balance by means of the Berg Scale
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Prof.ssa Giulia Letizia Mauro
Professor
University of Palermo