Presence Of Vertebral Compression Fractures Research Articles

The Potential Clinical Utility of an Artificial Intelligence Model for Identification of Vertebral Compression Fractures in Chest Radiographs

PurposeTo assess the ability of the Annalise Enterprise CXR Triage Trauma (Annalise AI Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia) artificial intelligence model to identify vertebral compression fractures on chest radiographs and its potential to address undiagnosed osteoporosis and its treatment. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study used a consecutive cohort of 596 chest radiographs from four US hospitals between 2015 and 2021. Each radiograph included both frontal (anteroposterior or posteroanterior) and lateral projections. These radiographs were assessed for the presence of vertebral compression fracture in a consensus manner by up to three thoracic radiologists. The model then performed inference on the cases. A chart review was also performed for the presence of osteoporosis-related International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision diagnostic codes and medication use for the study period and an additional year of follow-up. ResultsThe model successfully completed inference on 595 cases (99.8%); these cases included 272 positive cases and 323 negative cases. The model performed with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.955 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.939-0.968), sensitivity 89.3% (95% CI: 85.7%-92.7%) and specificity 89.2% (95% CI: 85.4%-92.3%). Out of the 236 true-positive cases (ie, correctly identified vertebral compression fractures by the model) with available chart information, only 86 (36.4%) had a diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture and 140 (59.3%) had a diagnosis of either osteoporosis or osteopenia; only 78 (33.1%) were receiving a disease-modifying medication for osteoporosis. ConclusionThe model identified vertebral compression fracture accurately with a sensitivity 89.3% (95% CI: 85.7%-92.7%) and specificity of 89.2% (95% CI: 85.4%-92.3%). Its automated use could help identify patients who have undiagnosed osteoporosis and who may benefit from taking disease-modifying medications.

FRI677 Analysis Of Characteristics Associated With Osteoporosis In Solid Organ Transplant Recipients - Results Of Phoenix VA Based Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Disclosure: T. Shah: None. K. Vinales: None. Introduction: Solid organ transplants are increasingly performed for multiple end-stage organ failures, that increase longevity and quality of life, but can be complicated with osteoporosis, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Determining the risk factors, diagnostic and treatment related characteristics will facilitate improvement in care of patients with this condition. Design: This was part of a quality improvement project at single institution to identify male veterans, 65 years and older, who were at risk for or osteoporosis. In this analysis, we focused on those with solid-organ transplant who developed post-transplant osteoporosis over the past 10 years. Various parameters were obtained, along with the most recent DXA scan, quantifying the T-scores at various sites, trabecular bone score (TBS) and treatment modalities. Results: From initial cohort of male veterans at risk for osteoporosis (n=1676), 26 (1.5%) were identified as post-transplant osteoporosis. Baseline characteristics (mean±SD) included: age = 72.9±3.0 years-old, BMI =26.0±3 kg/m2. 26.9% patients were noted to have history of smoking, while 7.6% had rheumatoid arthritis, 65% had history of diabetes mellitus, 54% were noted to be on prednisone as part of post-transplant immunosuppression regimen with dosages varying between 5-10mg daily. 61.5% of patients had GERD, whereas 57.1% were treated with proton pump inhibitors and H2-blockers. Analysis of DXA parameters revealed the lowest T-score average to be -1.88±0.5 with 88% having low BMD at the femoral neck site. Average TBS in the group was noted to be 1.37±0.1, while vertebral compression fractures were noted in 21% of these patients. Only 76% of patients were on osteoporosis treatment, where 65% were treated with Alendronate, 25% were treated with Denosumab and 20% with Zolendronic acid. Sub group analysis based on the solid organ transplanted reported liver transplant in 46%, renal transplant in 30%, lung transplant in 15%, heart transplant in 7% of the patients. Patients in the liver transplant group had a lower TBS of 1.26 (vs. 1.46 in the renal, 1.45 in the heart and 1.33 in the lung transplant groups). Incidence of vertebral compression fractures was highest in this subgroup and noted in 27% patients. Notably 25% of liver transplant were diagnosed with osteoporosis solely based on presence of vertebral compression fractures. Conclusion: Our quality improvement study highlights the fact that lowest DEXA scan T-scores are most commonly found at the femoral neck site in solid organ transplant recipients and high incidence of fragility fractures. Thorough assessment for vertebral fractures should be routinely incorporated while evaluating DXA scans in post-transplant osteoporosis cases, especially recipients of liver transplants as vertebral compression fractures can be the sole determinant of osteoporosis in this group of patients. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with vertebral compression fracture is associated with poor clinical outcomes – retrospective analysis on 453 cases

PurposeTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly performed in older adults, and the prevalence of vertebral compression fracture (VCF) increases with age. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of THA in patients with VCF.MethodsWe reviewed the records of 453 patients who underwent THA at our institution between 2015 and 2021. We classified patients into those with and without VCF. VCF was identified using preoperative upright whole-spine radiographs. Spinal parameters, preoperative and 1-year postoperative clinical outcomes of the Harris hip score (HHS), Oxford hip score (OHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) were assessed. Furthermore, propensity score-matched cohorts for age, sex, body mass index, and spinal parameters were created, and the clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsAmong the 453 patients, 51 (11.3%) with VCF and 402 without VCF were identified. Before matching, patients with VCF were older (p < 0.01), had sagittal spinal imbalance (p < 0.01), and had worse clinical outcomes pre- and postoperatively. After matching 47 patients in both groups, patients with VCF had worse HHS (p < 0.05), especially regarding support and distance walked, and worse VAS scores for LBP (p < 0.05) pre- and postoperatively. However, the improvements in scores were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsHHS, especially regarding support and distance walked, and VAS scores for LBP were poorer in patients with VCF preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. Our findings suggest that hip surgeons should evaluate not only spinal alignment but also the presence of VCF before performing THA.Level of evidenceLevel III, Retrospective cohort study.

Complete traumatic transection of thoracic spinal cord in a pediatric patient

With pediatric spinal cord injuries themselves being an infrequent event worldwide, complete transection of the spinal cord forms an extremely small subset of the same. Moreover, complete transection of spinal cord without the concurrent presence of vertebral compression fractures has rarely been reported in the pediatric age group. We hereby present a pediatric case with traumatic brain injury as well as complete thoracic spinal cord transection and probe the possible mechanisms that contribute to these injuries in the pediatric age group. We also discuss the challenges faced in the diagnostic evaluation as well as the therapeutic dilemmas in the given scenario due to the multiple ongoing issues.

Comparison of bone mineral density and vertebral fracture assessment in postmenopausal women with and without distal radius fractures

ObjectivesTo compare bone mineral density (BMD) in Thai postmenopausal women with and without distal radius fracture, and to investigate the role of vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) in diagnosing osteoporosis after distal radius fracture. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Thai postmenopausal women with and without distal radius fracture. BMDs of the femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), lumbar spine (LS), and VFA were obtained within 2 weeks of injury. BMD were compared between groups. Participants were classified into osteoporosis, osteopenia or normal using BMD alone, and BMD plus VFA, where a mere presence of vertebral compression fracture indicated osteoporosis. ResultsFifty postmenopausal women with distal radius fractures and 111 non-fracture postmenopausal women participated. The mean BMD was significantly lower at all sites in the fracture group (FN BMD 0.590 ± 0.075 vs 0.671 ± 0.090, p = 0.007; TH BMD 0.742 ± 0.103 vs 0.828 ± 0.116, P = 0.009; LS BMD 0.799 ± 0.107 vs 0.890 ± 0.111, P = 0.009 in the fracture vs non-fracture group respectively). VFA increased the prevalence of osteoporosis from 16 (32%) to 23 (46%) in the fracture group, and 7 (6.31%) to 17 (16.22%) in the non-fracture group, with a number needed to treat 9. ConclusionsPostmenopausal women with distal radius fractures had lower BMD. Incorporating VFA into diagnosis of osteoporosis increased the prevalence of osteoporosis in both fracture and non-fracture groups. Postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older with distal radius fracture are a good target for the investigation of osteoporosis.

Incidental identification of vertebral compression fractures in patients over 60years old using computed tomography scans showing the entire thoraco-lumbar spine.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) are frequently asymptomatic; incidental diagnosis is a valuable opportunity to identify low bone mass and to start treatment. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients over 60years old evaluated with chest plus abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans, allowing visualization of the entire thoraco-lumbar spine, who incidentally present VCF. We evaluated 300 patients over 60years old who under went chest plus abdominal and pelvic CT scans. Using sagittal reformats we looked for VCF using the method described by Genant. Accordingly, VCF were classified into mild, moderate or severe. We also determined the percentage of VCF described in the radiological reports. In our cohort [median age 72.5years (61-94)], 45.67% were males and 54.33% were females. In total, 43 patients (14.33%) had at least one VCF; 32 (10.67%) had one VCF, whereas 11 (3.67%) exhibited multiple VCF, with a total of 84 fractures. 42 were mild fractures, 29 moderate and 13 severe. The proportion of males (13.87%) and females (14.72%) with VCF was not different (p = 0.83). Patients with VCF were older than those without VCF (p < 0.01). Only age but not sex was independently associated with the presence of VCF. Only 32.56% of patients we identified as having a VCF had a description in their report (14 patients). An important proportion of patients over 60years old evaluated with chest plus abdominal and pelvic CT scans present VCF. The reporting of these VCF is insufficient; radiologists and clinicians should include their detection in their search pattern.

Bone histomorphometric changes in children with rheumatic disorders on chronic glucocorticoids.

BackgroundRheumatic diseases are associated with an increased fracture risk. The tissue level characteristics of the bone involvement in children have not been well elucidated. Our objectives were to describe the bone micro-architectural characteristics in children with rheumatic diseases on chronic glucocorticoids, and to determine associations between micro-architectural findings with clinical and radiological variables.MethodsChildren on chronic glucocorticoids for an underlying rheumatic disease were referred for evaluation of bone fragility given the presence of vertebral compression fractures. A trans-iliac bone biopsy was performed as part of the clinical assessment. Histomorphometric analysis and quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBSE) of the biopsy samples were undertaken.ResultsData of 15 children (14.0 ± 3.2 years) with a duration of glucocorticoid exposure of 6.2 ± 4.1 years and average prednisone dose of 14.1 ± 6.2 mg/m2/day were assessed. Histomorphometric analyses demonstrated significant decrease in trabecular thickness (p = 0.01), osteoid thickness (p < 0.01), osteoblast surface (p = 0.02) and increase in trabecular separation (p = 0.04) compared to published age-matched normative data. Severity of the trabecular deficit was correlated to glucocorticoid dose, height and body mass index Z score, but not bone mineral density or measures of disease activity. Using qBSE to measure bone mineralization, the subjects were shown to have a heterogeneous and hypermineralized profile, with higher cumulative glucocorticoid dose being associated with greater mineralization (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn children with rheumatic diseases presenting with vertebral fractures, there is evidence of abnormal bone matrix mineralization and impairments of bone micro-architecture that correlate to glucocorticoid dose.

The utility of clinical features for distinguishing subchondral insufficiency fracture from osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Subchondral insufficiency fractures of the femoral head (SIF) need to be differentiated from osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ON), since these two conditions have several overlapping characteristics especially in their radiological findings. The purpose of this study was to determine the useful clinical features for differentiating SIF from ON. This study reviewed 44 consecutive patients, aged 60 years or older with a radiological evidence of subchondral collapse of the femoral head. According to the histopathological diagnosis, 22 patients were grouped as SIF and 22 patients as ON. A 2 × 2 contingency table analysis was used to obtain the odd ratios (ORs) for SIF compared to ON. The age, proportion of females, the rate of a history of neither corticosteroid intake nor alcohol abuse, and the presence of vertebral compression fracture in subchondral insufficiency fracture were significantly higher than those with osteonecrosis (p = 0.0001, 0.0212, 0.0001, and 0.0040, respectively). ORs for SIF were 12.01 [95 % confidence intervals (CI) 1.35-106.80] and 7.29 (95 % CI 1.91-27.86), if the patient were female and 70 years of age or older, respectively. In addition, OR for SIF was extremely high (OR 56.01, 95 % CI 6.12-512.87) compared to ON, if the patients have a history of neither corticosteroid intake nor alcohol abuse [corrected]. The results of this study indicate that osteoporotic elderly women without any history of corticosteroid intake or alcohol abuse need to first be considered to have subchondral insufficiency fracture when radiographs show a collapse of the femoral head.

Advancing the Care of Cancer Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures—A Radiation Oncology Expert Panel Discussion

A closed roundtable discussion on ‘Advancing the Care of Cancer Patients with Vertebral Compression Fractures’ was held in Denver, Colorado, on November 16, 2010. The attendees included six invited local experts—four radiation oncologists, an interventional radiologist, and an orthopedic surgeon. The moderator, Jon Strasser, MD, a radiation oncologist, opened the meeting by explaining that its goal was to identify the barriers to managing vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in cancer patients and discuss available treatment options. The focus would be on three topics: current treatment practice for spinal metastases; treatment goals in the presence of VCFs; and minimally invasive procedures for VCFs. Each topic is allocated a separate section of the following report of the discussion.

Nonprogression of Vertebral Area or Bone Mineral Content on DXA Does Not Predict Compression Fractures

The 2003 International Society for Clinical Densitometry consensus guidelines recommend exclusion of vertebral bodies for lack of increase in bone area (BA) or bone mineral content (BMC), or an unusual T-score discrepancy (>1 standard deviation [SD]) between adjacent vertebrae. It is unclear how often nonprogression in BA, BMC, and T-score discrepancies predicts abnormal vertebral morphology, such as compression fractures. We prospectively studied 101 individuals sent for clinical dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning, including 20.8% males and 79.2% females. The population was 85% Caucasian, 13% African-American, and 3% Hispanic. The mean age was 65.6 yr; 20.2% were currently on steroids and 22.7% were taking drugs for osteoporosis. All subjects underwent the usual posteroanterior (PA) spine DXA scan PA and lateral vertebral fracture analysis (VFA). The presence of vertebral compression fractures and/or scoliosis of the lumbar spine by VFA were correlated with nonprogression of area or BMC, and/or a difference of >1 SD in T-scores using Fisher's exact test. By VFA, we detected 22 lumbar compression fractures among 101 subjects, which was 16% of the population. Nonprogression of BA, BMC, and T-score discrepancy were not statistically associated with the presence of vertebral compression fracture as assessed by VFA. Thirty percent of subjects had lumbar spine scoliosis. The presence of scoliosis was significantly related to a T-score discrepancy at L1-L4.

Undertreatment of osteoporosis in women, based on detection of vertebral compression fractures on chest radiography

Background: Fractures attributable to ostcoporosis are responsible for preventable suffering and health care costs. Until they experience a fracture, many older adults, particularly women, are unaware that they have osteoporosis. Although radiographs taken for reasons other than evaluating the possibility of osteoporosis may suggest the presence of fracture, such fractures often go undetected and effective treatments are not implemented. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the adequacy of treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in middle-aged and older women in an internal medicine clinic, as ascertained by reports of chest radiography. The hypothesis was that patients having chest radiographs with observable vertebral compression fractures often did not receive adequate treatment. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted at a general internal medicine clinic at a university-affiliated county hospital. The records of an academic internal medicine practice were searched to identify women aged ≥40 years with radiologic evidence of vertebral compression fractures during the period from June 1, 1992, through May 31, 2002. Electronic prescription records were then searched to determine whether patients had received a prescription for a medication for the treatment of osteoporosis. An analysis also was conducted to describe the frequency distribution of various medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Results: One hundred thirteen women were identified who met the study criteria. Their mean (SD) age was 68.1 (21.9) years. Fifty-six (50%) of these women received pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis. The most commonly prescribed medications were estrogens (35%), calcitonin (16%), and bisphosphonates (12%). Conclusions: No more than half of patients identified as having a vertebral compression fracture on chest radiography received even 1 prescription for the treatment of osteoporosis. Because this study did not examine adherence or long-term medication use, the proportion of women who received adequate osteoporosis therapy was probably much less than half. Physicians should be alert to the possible presence of vertebral compression fractures and take a more aggressive approach to treatment when a fracture is present.

Plasma leptin concentrations are associated with bone mineral density and the presence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

Although total fat body mass (FM) is considered to be one of the major determinants of bone mass, the mechanism by which FM and bone mass are positively correlated remains unclear. Leptin, the product of the obese (ob) gene, is secreted from adipocytes and its plasma levels are known to be positively correlated with %fat (FM divided by total body weight). There is recent evidence suggesting that leptin directly stimulates osteoblastic differentiation. Thus it is possible that the anabolic action of this hormone on bone may participate in the positive correlation between FM and bone mass. In this study, we analysed the relationships between either plasma leptin levels or %fat vs. bone mineral density (BMD) values as well as the presence of vertebral compression fractures, and evaluated whether or not plasma leptin levels were associated with BMD or bone fragility in a manner independent of FM. One hundred and thirty-nine postmenopausal women (age 48-78 years, mean 62.5), who visited our outpatient clinic for the evaluation of osteoporosis. Plasma concentrations of leptin after an overnight fast were measured by radioimmunoassay. BMD values were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and whole body. Distal one-third of radius BMD was measured by single photon absorptiometry (SPA). Vertebral fractures were assessed by lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs. Although neither plasma leptin levels nor %fat correlated with age, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and %fat (r = 0.563, P < 0.001). Plasma leptin levels were significantly and positively correlated with BMD values at all skeleton sites measured, and multiple regression analysis revealed that this positive relationship was still observed with BMD values of the femoral neck and of the whole body, even after %fat and age were taken into account. Moreover, plasma leptin levels but not %fat were significantly lower in women with vertebral fractures than in those without fractures. When multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with either plasma leptin value or %fat employed as independent variables, plasma leptin values but not %fat were selected as an index affecting the presence of vertebral fractures. Our study showed that plasma leptin levels but not %fat are associated with BMD and the presence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women, suggesting that circulating leptin might play a physiological role in maintaining bone mass as well as better bone quality.

Quantitative computed tomography reflects vertebral fracture morbidity in osteopenic patients.

We studied the relationship between spontaneous vertebral compression fractures and lumbar vertebral trabecular bone density in 69 consecutive patients with suspected osteopenia. Seven had biopsy-confirmed osteomalacia. The remaining 62 were divided into three groups: group 1--asymptomatic patients suspected of having osteopenia on plain films, but with no vertebral compression fractures (N = 24); group II--those with one to five vertebral compression fractures (N = 16); and group III--those with six or more vertebral compression fractures (N = 22). A quantitative computed tomographic (QCT) scan of the lumbar spine was performed on all patients. Patients in group I had QCT values of 94 +/- 23 mg/cm3 (mean +/- SE); those in group II had QCT values of 66 +/- 28 mg/cm3; and those in group III had values of 34 +/- 28 mg/cm3. There were significant differences among all groups (P less than .001), although there was considerable overlap of individuals among the groups. There was no significant difference between the mean QCT value of patients with one compression fracture and the value of those with between two and five compression fractures. Patients with biopsy-proven osteomalacia had higher vertebral trabecular bone density than patients with osteoporosis and compression fractures. Our study provides evidence suggesting a strong inverse relationship between QCT-measured vertebral bone density and the presence of vertebral compression fractures in a group of osteopenic patients.