Geriatric spine care addresses spinal disorders that commonly affect the elderly population due to age-related degenerative changes. With advancing age, the spine undergoes progressive wear and tear, leading to conditions such as disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and deformities. These conditions often present with pain, reduced mobility, and functional impairment. Management in elderly patients requires a careful, individualized approach considering overall health, bone quality, and existing medical comorbidities. The primary goal is to relieve pain, maintain independence, and improve quality of life while minimizing treatment-related risks.
1. Introduction
- Geriatric spine care focuses on spinal disorders in the elderly population.
- Aging leads to degenerative changes, osteoporosis, and reduced physiological reserve.
2. Common Spinal Problems
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis
- Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
- Degenerative scoliosis and spondylolisthesis
3. Clinical Challenges
- Multiple comorbidities (diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary diseases)
- Poor bone quality and muscle weakness
- Atypical presentation and delayed diagnosis
4. Evaluation
- Detailed clinical assessment with functional status evaluation
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, and CT when required
- Bone mineral density assessment for osteoporosis
5. Conservative Management
- Pain medications with caution to avoid side effects
- Physiotherapy focusing on balance, flexibility, and core strength
- Bracing and lifestyle modification
- Osteoporosis management with calcium, vitamin D, and anti-osteoporotic drugs
6. Interventional Procedures
- Epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks
- Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for painful compression fractures
7. Surgical Considerations
- Surgery reserved for neurological deficit or severe disability
- Preference for minimally invasive techniques
- Careful patient selection and optimization of comorbidities
8. Post-treatment Care
- Early mobilization and fall prevention
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach
9. Outcome
- Individualized, holistic care improves pain control, mobility, and quality of life in geriatric patients