Korean J Pain.  2007 Dec;20(2):224-229. 10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.224.

Compression Fractures Diagnosed during the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia : A case report

• Choi YM
• Shin HY
• Lee KJ
• Koo MS
• Nahm FS
• Suh JH
• Jo JY
• Kim YC
• Lee SC

• KMID: 2278071
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.224

Abstract

Vertebral compression fractures can occur due to trauma, a malignancy, or most commonly, osteoporosis. These fractures are frequently seen in elderly women; 30% of postmenopausal women are affected by vertebral compression fractures. These fragile fractures frequently result in both acute and chronic pain, but more importantly, are a source of increased morbidity and possibly, mortality. These injuries can be treated both conservatively and with surgery. The use of percutaneous vertebral augmentation offers a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. We experienced two cases of compression fractures diagnosed during the treatment of thoracic postherpetic neuralgia. Two patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia with a sharp and stabbing pain in the thoracic dermatomes that was unresponsive to conservative treatment were transferred to our clinic. During the management of postherpetic neuralgia, we incidentally found thoracic compression fractures after obtaining fluoroscopic guided images. After a balloon kyphoplasty, the preoperative pain related to the postherpetic neuralgia was successfully relieved soon after the procedure, and there were no complications.

Keyword

balloon kyphoplasty; postherpetic neuralgia; vertebral compression fracture

MeSH Terms

Aged
Chronic Pain
Female
Fractures, Compression*
Humans
Kyphoplasty
Mortality
Neuralgia, Postherpetic*
Osteoporosis