Bone Texture Assessment on Lateral VFAs Using the Texture Research Investigational Platform (TRIP) and its Fracture Discrimination Ability

Abstract

Texture Research Imaging Platform applies trabecular bone score (TBS) measurement principles to images acquired with multiple modalities to assess bone texture at various skeletal sites. This study aimed to assess the bone texture score in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-acquired lateral vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) images (BTSVFA), evaluate its reproducibility, and vertebral fracture discrimination ability. Subjects included 178 VF cases and 178 non-VF controls, 136 women and 42 men in each group, age 55–92 years, from two research centers. Cases and controls were matched for age (±5 years), body mass index (±5 kg/m2) and TBS. All participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry TBS assessment from standard posterior-anterior lumbar spine scans and BTSVFA assessment. VF presence was determined using VFA images applying the Genant's method. BTSVFA was lower among fractured women compared to non-fractured (0.626 ± 0.109 vs 0.675 ± 0.099, p < 0.01), but not among men. In a binary logistic regression adjusted for study center and sex, for each SD lower BTSVFA, there was a 40% increase (OR 1.40, 95% CI (1.13–1.74)) in the risk of having a prevalent VF; area under the curve (95% CI) 0.616 (0.557–0.675). Inter-assessor and inter-centers ICCs for BTSVFA measurements were very good; 0.96 (0.64–0.99) and 0.98 (0.95–0.99), respectively. The BTSVFA precision (coefficient of variation) was 2.42%. This feasibility study demonstrates the potential to assess trabecular bone texture in lateral VFA images with good reproducibility. BTSVFA can discriminate between fractured and non-fractured women independent of their age, body mass index and TBS. In conclusion, BTSVFA, a potential trabecular texture assessment that excludes the posterior elements, may have value in fracture prediction or as a novel approach to be further investigated in spine surgery planning.