Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Ajou University, 164, World Cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
Osteoporos Int. 2019 Jul;30(7):1533-1536. doi: 10.1007/s00198-019-04961-4. Epub 2019 Apr 23.
This case report describes a case of an elderly woman diagnosed with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) at thoracic spine after using an electrical automated massage chair (EAMC). Care should be taken when using an EAMC, especially by those with or at risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common problem among elderly population and presents a high burden to society. Osteoporotic fractures may occur after a minimal trauma of the vertebrae. Electrical automated massage chair (EAMC) is a device that uses a programmed algorithm to perform automated massage. The massage chair, a popular device among elderly with back pain, relies on friction and rhythmic tapping created by a motorized roller. However, research regarding the safety of this device is lacking, especially in the perspective of OVCF. We present a case of an elderly woman diagnosed with acute OVCF of the thoracic spine after using an EAMC. The patient had no risk factor for fragility fracture and experienced an abrupt onset of severe upper back pain while using EAMC. Imaging studies revealed an isolated acute compression fracture at T8 vertebra (AO classification type A1) while dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry scan confirmed osteoporosis. The patient was treated with a plastic orthosis and oral medications for osteoporosis. After 6-months follow-up, the patient showed union of the fractured T8 vertebra and no remaining symptoms. This case highlights that OVCF can be induced by EAMC. Therefore, patients with or at risk for osteoporosis should be cautious while opting for deep tissue massage using EAMC.
本病例报告描述了一位老年女性在使用电动自动按摩椅（EAMC）后被诊断为胸段急性骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折（OVCF）的病例。使用 EAMC 时应谨慎，特别是那些已经患有或有发生骨质疏松风险的患者。骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折（OVCF）是老年人群中的常见问题，给社会带来了沉重负担。骨质疏松性骨折可能发生在椎体受到轻微创伤之后。电动自动按摩椅（EAMC）是一种使用编程算法执行自动按摩的设备。这种按摩椅是一种受腰痛老年患者欢迎的设备，它依靠电动机滚轮产生的摩擦和有节奏的敲击。然而，关于该设备安全性的研究还很缺乏，尤其是在 OVCF 方面。我们报告了一位老年女性在使用 EAMC 后被诊断为胸段急性 OVCF 的病例。该患者没有脆性骨折的危险因素，在使用 EAMC 时突然出现严重的上背痛。影像学研究显示 T8 椎体孤立性急性压缩性骨折（AO 分类 A1 型），而双能 X 射线吸收法扫描证实存在骨质疏松症。患者接受了塑料矫形器和骨质疏松症口服药物治疗。6 个月随访时，患者 T8 椎体骨折愈合，无残留症状。本病例提示 EAMC 可诱发 OVCF。因此，已经患有或有发生骨质疏松风险的患者在选择使用 EAMC 进行深层组织按摩时应谨慎。
