The difficulties of diagnosing and determining the tactics of treating osteoporosis in severe spinal scoliosis case

Abstract

A female patient with early surgical menopause and severe S-shaped scoliosis was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the place of residence and treated with a bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid). Despite the deformity of the spine and chest, the patient had no complaints until recently and led an active lifestyle. During X-ray densitometry at the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, in particular when examining the lumbar spine, there were difficulties with positioning the patient for correct scanning of the area of interest and, as a result, obtaining information about the true state of trabecular bone tissue. Bone mineral density (BMD) in the proximal femur was consistent with osteopenia. Additional laboratory and instrumental parameters, such as biochemical markers of bone remodelling (osteocalcin and C-terminal type 1 collagen telopeptide) and trabecular bone score (TBS), also did not allow to precise the risk of fractures and make an unambiguous conclusion about the necessity of continuing antiresorptive therapy. Given the low BMD values in lumbar spine (T-score -4.8 SD) and the possibility of developing vertebral compression fractures as a result of minimal trauma with further chest deformity progression and vital organs failure, it was decided to continue treatment with zoledronic acid. Further therapeutic tactics will be determined after the next scheduled examination in 1 year.