Felix Tome-Bermejo - Luis Alvarez MD PhD Spine Department, Fundación Jiménez Dí az University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
Angel R. Piñera - Luis Alvarez MD PhD Spine Department, Fundación Jiménez Dí az University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
Luis Alvarez - Luis Alvarez MD PhD Spine Department, Fundación Jiménez Dí az University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

Osteoporosis has become a major medical problem as the aged population of the world rapidly grows. Osteoporosis predisposes patients to fracture, progressive spinal deformities, and stenosis, and is subject to be a major concern before performing spine surgery, especially with bone fusions and instrumentation. Osteoporosis has often been considered a contraindication for spinal surgery, while in some instances patients have undergone limited and inadequate procedures in order to avoid concomitant instrumentation. As the population ages and the expectations of older patients increase, the demand for surgical treatment in older patients with osteoporosis and spinal degenerative diseases becomes progressively more important. Nowadays, advances in surgical and anesthetic technology make it possible to operate successfully on elderly patients who no longer accept disabling physical conditions. This article discusses the biomechanics of the osteoporotic spine, the diagnosis and management of osteoporotic patients with spinal conditions, as well as the novel treatments, recommendations, surgical indications, strategies and instrumentation in patients with osteoporosis who need spine operations.

Degenerative scoliosis, Degenerative spondylolisthesis, Fracture, Instrumentation, Osteoporosis, Stenosis