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It’s time to rethink VCF treatment

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) affect more than 750,000 individuals in the U.S. each year. Of these, two-thirds will go undiagnosed and untreated.12 At Stryker, we think patients deserve better.

Restoration. Not just relief.

As one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body, restoring the spine to its proper alignment is vitally important. Spine fractures are associated with increased mortality,345678 reduced lung function,9101112 chronic pain and impaired quality of life.13141516 The evidence supports what we’ve always believedVCF treatment is more than a pain procedure.

It’s about lives. And it’s about time.

Vertebral compression fractures carry over a 50% higher risk of death at one year when treated with conservative versus surgical management.17 And one life is saved for every 15 patients treated with vertebral augmentation.18

In the past decade, clinical knowledge, evidence, treatments and support from insurance providers have dramatically evolved from conservative treatment options like opioids, bracing and bed rest to earlier treatment with vertebral augmentation.

Don’t let patients enter the downward spiral

If a VCF is left untreated, patients can face long-term complications known as the downward spiral.* Untreated VCFs carry a risk of adjacent level fractures, so it is important that VCFs are diagnosed and treated early.

Encourage your patients to speak about their symptoms. Then empower them with options.

*Michigan Neurosurgical Institute (2019)

  • Increased risk
    of mortality

  • Increased
    comorbidities

  • Increased
    fracture risk

  • More
    bone loss

  • Decreased
    activity

  • Sleeping
    problems

  • Loss of
    appetite

  • Impaired
    function

  • Less lung
    capacity

  • Spinal
    deformity

  • Back pain

    We have a history of creating brighter futures

    Partner with Stryker and help patients reclaim the quality of life they deserve.

    Learn more about VCF treatment