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Clinical Updates: Identifying Osteoporosis-Related Vertebral Fractures in Primary Care
Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) are the most common osteoporosis-related fractures. They are also the most easily overlooked. Because they can be asymptomatic, VCFs are difficult to recognize until extensive, irreversible damage has been done. Whether symptomatic or silent, VCFs predict future skeletal deterioration. Identifying these sentinel fractures in patients at risk enables the clinician to stop the fracture cascade before it gets going and thereby preserve a patient’s skeletal health. In this article, the first of two on the subject, we explore the critical topic of osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture -- both how to diagnose these fractures and how to distinguish them from the many other causes of back pain. Fee: Member-$0; Nonmember-$10
Target Audience
This continuing education activity is intended for use by health professionals who participate in the care of patients at risk for or suffering from osteoporosis, in the areas of primary care, endocrinology, geriatrics, gynecology, internal, obstetrics, orthopedics, osteopathy, pediatrics, physiatry, radiology, rheumatology and physical therapy.
This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, technologists, researchers, public health professionals and health educators with an interest in osteoporosis and bone health.
Support for this activity was received from Medtronic.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this CME material, the participant should be able to:
1) Identify signs and symptoms of vertebral compression fracture (VCF), whether acute, healed, or “silent" (asymptomatic).
2) Differentiate vertebral compression fractures from other causes of back pain.
3) Assess risk for vertebral compression fractures in individual patients.
4) Describe the significance of vertebral compression fractures in terms of morbidity and mortality.
5) Recognize and rule out non-osteoporosis secondary causes of bone loss and fractures.
-Angelo Licata, MD, PhD: Nothing to Disclose
-Mary Beth O'Connell, PharmD, BCPS: Honorarium-American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
-Adrienne Berarducci, PhD, ARNP, BC: Nothing to Disclose
-Peggy Doheny, PhD, RN: Nothing to Disclose
-Avery Jackson, MD: Nothing to Disclose
-Craig Langman, MD: Consultant-Dicerna Pharma, Incyte Pharma, and Allena Pharma
-Jeri Nieves, PhD: Grant/Research-Eli Lilly
-Rick Pope, MPAS, PA-C: Nothing to Disclose
-Susan Randall, MSN, RN, FNP-BC: Nothing to Disclose
-Carol Sedlack, PhD, RN: Nothing to Disclose
-Andrea Sikon, MD: Nothing to Disclose
-Andrea Singer, MD: Research-Radius Health, UCB; Consulting-Agnovos, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Merit, Radius Health, UCB; Speaker's Bureau-Amgen, Eli Lilly, Radius Health; Board-NOF
-Kelly Trippe, MA: Nothing to Disclose
-Robert Westergan, MD: Nothing to Disclose
CME Program Eligibility
Method of Participation in the Learning Process: Clinician learners will view and analyze the subject matter, conduct additional informal research through related internet searches on the subject matter, and complete a post-test assessment of knowledge and skills gained as a result of the activity.
After participating in this activity, the reader has the option of taking an evaluation for this activity. It is estimated it will take 1.0 hour(s) to complete the reading and take the evaluation. Continuing education credit will be available for two years from the date of publication.
Disclosure of Commercial Support
It is the policy of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its sponsored publications and programs. NOF requires the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship the sponsor, Editorial Board or Guest Contributors have with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. All authors and contributors to this continuing education activity have disclosed any real or apparent interest that may have direct bearing on the subject matter of this program.
Please be advised that NOF’s accreditation status with ACCME and ANCC does not imply endorsement by NOF, ACCME or ANCC of any commercial products displayed in conjunction with this activity or endorsement of any point of view.
Refund Policy
NOF offers no returns or refunds on online internet CME activities purchased through our store. All sales are final. Meeting and workshop registrations will be refunded in accordance with the cancellation policy of the meeting and/or workshop, as outlined at registration.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The National Osteoporosis Foundation is an approved Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accredited CME provider through March 2023. ACCME accreditation accelerates learning, change and improvement in the field of osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates educational activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 ANCCThe mission of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs. The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates educational activities for continuing nursing education credit(s).
- 1.00 Participation
- 1.00 Participation/AttendanceA certificate of attendance will be provided to all other attending healthcare professionals. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants may request AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ certificate of participation. Please refer to your provider to determine whether this program will qualify for other categories of continuing education credits. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) also accepts educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education (ACCME).