Risk Of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Research Articles

Mechanical testing and biomechanical CT analysis to assess vertebral flexion strength of Chinese cadavers.

Biomechanical CT (BCT), i.e., quantitative computed tomography-based finite element analysis (QCT-FEA), promises an improved technique over bone mineral density (BMD) in predicting bone strength and the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. However, most of the BCT models only consider a uniform compressive loading condition and they have not been validated for Chinese subjects. This study examined the ability of BCT to predict wedge fracture-related vertebral flexion strength in a cohort of Chinese cadaveric vertebrae. Twelve human vertebrae were scanned with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and QCT to measure areal and volumetric BMD, respectively. To produce wedge fractures, the cadaveric vertebrae were experimentally loaded until failure under a 15^° flexion. Vertebral flexion stiffness and strength were measured from the force-displacement curve. Voxel-based heterogeneous FE models of the vertebrae were created and virtually tested in uniform compression and 15^° flexion to compute compressive and flexion strength (and stiffness), respectively. The predictions of vertebral flexion strength with BMD or BCT measures were evaluated with linear regression analyses. Results showed weak correlations between experimentally-measured flexion strength vs. DXA-aBMD (R²=0.26) or QCT-vBMD (R²=0.39). However, there were strong correlations between experimentally-measured flexion strength vs. BCT-computed vertebral strength under either flexion (R²=0.71) or compression (R²=0.70) loading conditions, although flexion reduced the BCT-computed vertebral strength by 9.2%. These results suggest that, regardless of whether a uniform compression or a flexion loading is simulated, BCT can predict in vitro vertebral flexion strength better than BMD.

Sarcopenic obesity defined by visceral adiposity was associated with osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Previous studies have reported that the fracture risk related to sarcopenic obesity (SO) may be influenced by the distribution of fat mass. Therefore, it is useful to explore a body component suitable for defining obesity when predicting fracture risk. This study was an attempt to explore the contribution of SO defined by visceral adiposity on the incidence of osteoporotic fracture. We enrolled 736 Chinese patients aged > 60 years in this prospective study. Sarcopenia was defined as low skeletal muscle index (SMI) with muscle strength or low SMI with low physical performance. Obesity was categorized as follows: (1) android to gynoid ratio (A/G ratio, men > 0.82, women > 0.65) as an indicator of visceral adiposity; (2) body fat percentage (men > 27.8%; women > 34.5%); and (3) body mass index (≥ 25 kg/m2). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the association between SO and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. The incidence of SO was 8.7%; 9.0% in females and 8.1% in males. Of 223 (30.2%) patients with self-reported fractures. SO classified by A/G was associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.07-2.72). High SMI was associated with a reduced risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93), higher BMI was associated with a higher risk vertebral fracture (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.94-1.63), and higher A/G ratio was associated with a higher risk of any fracture (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14-1.43) and osteoporotic vertebral fracture (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.36). Our findings suggest that SO, defined by visceral adiposity, was associated with the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Moreover, low SMI, low muscle strength and visceral adiposity were independently associated with osteoporotic fracture.

A clinical tool to identify older women with back pain at high risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (Vfrac): a population-based cohort study with exploratory economic evaluation.

osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) identify people at high risk of future fractures, but despite this, less than a third come to clinical attention. The objective of this study was to develop a clinical tool to aid health care professionals decide which older women with back pain should have a spinal radiograph. a population-based cohort of 1,635 women aged 65+ years with self-reported back pain in the previous 4 months were recruited from primary care. Exposure data were collected through self-completion questionnaires and physical examination, including descriptions of back pain and traditional risk factors for osteoporosis. Outcome was the presence/absence of OVFs on spinal radiographs. Logistic regression models identified independent predictors of OVFs, with the area under the (receiver operating) curve calculated for the final model, and a cut-point was identified. mean age was 73.9years and 209 (12.8%) had OVFs. The final Vfrac model comprised 15 predictors of OVF, with an AUC of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.764-0.840). Sensitivity was 72.4% and specificity was 72.9%. Vfrac identified 93% of those with more than one OVF and two-thirds of those with one OVF. Performance was enhanced by inclusion of self-reported back pain descriptors, removal of which reduced AUC to 0.742 (95% CI: 0.696-0.788) and sensitivity to 66.5%. Health economic modelling to support a future trial was favourable. the Vfrac clinical tool appears to be valid and is improved by the addition of self-reported back pain symptoms. The tool now requires testing to establish real-world clinical and cost-effectiveness.

Vfrac – a simple clinical tool that identifies older women with back pain at high risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Vfrac – a simple clinical tool that identifies older women with back pain at high risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Risk of spontaneous vertebral fracture during bisphosphonates drug holiday

BackgroundBisphosphonates are the most common treatment for osteoporosis with confirmed efficacy. However, less information is available on prolonged use. This study was performed to examine the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures during bisphosphonates holiday and estimate its predictors.ResultsForty-two patients completed 2-year fracture-free holiday; 7 had spontaneous vertebral fracture. Among baseline characteristics, age was significantly higher in fracture group (69.99 ± 3.62 vs. 75.37 ± 3.81; P value 0.007); other factors were comparable. Longitudinal changes analysis showed that only alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increment had significant group over time interaction (P value 0.002). The difference between baseline and clinical end-point serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptid (CTX) was significant in both fracture and non-fracture groups, whereas femoral neck and total hip BMD decline was significant in fracture group only. Multivariate analysis showed that only age (OR, 1.43; p, 0.011) and history of previous fractures (OR, 13.59; p, 0.044) are significant predictors of vertebral fractures.ConclusionsThese results suggest that older age and history of previous fracture should be considered as risk factors for vertebral fractures during bisphosphonates holiday. Furthermore, femoral neck and total hip BMD decline could be related to vertebral fractures. By the same token, overt increase of ALP and CTX could be an indicator of fracture occurrence.

Radiographic osteoporotic vertebral fractures in elderly men: a brief review focusing on differences between the sexes.

Bone loss occurs in both sexes as a result of ageing but is exacerbated in women by the hormonal changes associated with menopause. Unlike in women, secondary osteoporosis occurs in almost half of men diagnosed with osteoporosis. Moreover, vertebral fractures (VFs) seen in elderly men may more likely be the result of high energy trauma. The osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) radiograph diagnosis criteria for women may not be directly applicable for men. Particular attention should be paid to the mid-thoracic level where over-diagnosis commonly occurs. For wedge-shaped vertebral deformities (VDs) or VDs with anterior height reduction only, a diagnosis of OVF requires great caution, as they are poorly correlated to bone mineral density (BMD). For age-matched subjects, it is likely that elderly men's prevalent radiographic OVFs are approximately half of the elderly women's. This male-female ratio is very similar to other clinical fractures such as those occurring at the hip. Even so, the clinical relevance of OVF in elderly men may be less than that of elderly women. On the other hand, for elderly men with hip BMD-based osteoporosis, the OVF risk is as high as that of osteoporotic women. Elderly Chinese men have a lower OVF prevalence than age-matched Caucasian men.

Post-surgery cholecystectomy, hepatectomy, and pancreatectomy patients increase the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Data is currently lacking regarding association between the cholecystectomy/hepatectomy/pancreatectomy and the development of osteoporotic fracture. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the relationship between cholecystectomy/hepatectomy/pancreatectomy and the subsequent risk of developing osteoporotic fracture. Patients having undergone cholecystectomy, hepatectomy, or pancreatectomy between 2000 and 2012 were selected from the All Population Based Hospitalization File as the surgery cohort (n = 304,081), which was frequency matched with the control cohort (n = 304,081). The Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier analysis were applied to measure the hazard ratios and the cumulative incidence of osteoporotic fracture. A total of 1136 patients in the surgery cohort and 1179 patients in the control cohort were newly diagnosed with osteoporotic fracture. The overall osteoporotic fracture risk in the surgery cohort was 1.12-fold higher [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.21]. Specifically, surgery cohort had higher vertebral fracture risk than non-surgery cohort [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.12, Cl, 1.03-1.22]. In addition, patients underwent cholecystectomy (includes open and laparoscopic approaches), hepatectomy (only open approach), and pancreatectomy group (only open approach) were 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01-1.19), 1.49 (95% CI, 1.10-2.01), and 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23-2.87) times more likely to develop osteoporotic fracture, respectively. No significant difference of osteoporotic fracture risk was observed between open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The risk of osteoporotic fracture was significantly increased in females, patients aged ≥ 40years old, and patients with some comorbidity. Patients post cholecystectomy, hepatectomy, or pancreatectomy significantly increased risk of developing osteoporotic fracture, suggesting closer attention in post-operative care is needed.

Assessment of the efficacy of teriparatide treatment for osteoporosis on lumbar fusion surgery outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Treatment of osteoporosis with medications like teriparatide, a parathyroid hormone, is known to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Anecdotal and limited surgical series have described the utility of this treatment for osteoporotic patients prior to spinal fusion surgery, but there is variability in adoption of this strategy as well as consensus regarding optimal treatment duration before and after surgery. In this study, the clinical results of the use of teriparatide for this application are reviewed and critically examined. We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases using different MeSH terms from 1980 to 2020. Pooled and subgroup analyses were performed using fixed and random effect models based upon the heterogeneity (I2). The results were reported as either mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 771 patients from 12 studies were identified. Three hundred seventy-seven patients (90.8% females) were treated with teriparatide. Lumbar spinal fusion rates were significantly higher among patients who received teriparatide compared to the non-teriparatide group (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.56-2.97, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients receiving teriparatide demonstrated 2.12-fold and 2.23-fold higher likelihood of fusion compared to those in the bisphosphonate (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.45-3.11, p = 0.0001) and placebo (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.22-4.08, p = 0.009) cohorts, respectively. The treatment effect of teriparatide was associated with significantly reduced subsequent vertebral fractures (OR 0.16, 95%CI 0.06-0.41, p = 0.0002), sagittal malalignment (MD - 3.85, 95%CI: -6.49 to - 1.21, p = 0.004), limb visual analogue score (VAS) (MD - 0.36, 95%CI - 0.64 to - 0.09, p = 0.008), and spinal VAS (MD - 0.24, 95%CI - 0.44 to - 0.04, p = 0.02) compared to the non-teriparatide group. Patients using teriparatide had 30% less likelihood of screw loosening at last follow-up compared to the non-teriparatide group; however, this was not statistically significant (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.43-1.14, p = 0.15). There did not exist any statistically significant difference between the two comparative groups in terms of pseudoarthrosis (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.24-1.21, p = 0.13), cage subsidence (OR 1.30, 95%CI 0.38-4.52, p = 0.68), and bone mineral density (MD 0.04, 95%CI - 0.19-0.29, p = 0.74) at last follow-up examination. This meta-analysis corroborates the effectiveness of teriparatide resulting in higher fusion rates. Further study is required to determine the optimal duration of treatment and timing of surgery.

Increased risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture in rheumatoid arthritis patients with new-onset cardiovascular diseases: a retrospective nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.

Both cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and osteoporosis are common comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Although accumulating evidence indicates a link between CVD and osteoporotic fracture, whether CVD contributes to osteoporotic fracture risk in RA has yet to be explored. We examined the incidence rate and risk factors of osteoporotic vertebral fracture in RA patients with new-onset CVD (RA-CVD) and evaluated the effects of medications on such fracture risk. A retrospective study was conducted using a nationwide database from 2000 to 2010: 1267 RA-CVD and 1267 non-CVD patients were enrolled from 30,507 patients with newly diagnosed RA. The main outcome was the development of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. After being adjusted for age, gender, and comorbidities, the Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent factors contributing to osteoporotic vertebral fracture. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of developing osteoporotic vertebral fracture was 1.47-fold greater in RA-CVD group than in non-CVD group (95% confidence interval 1.19-1.81, p < 0.001). Both the age above 40years and female gender were significant risk factors for developing osteoporotic vertebral fracture in RA-CVD patients. Using patients not taking medication as a reference group, the aHR of osteoporotic vertebral fracture was significantly lower in those receiving statins (0.50), low-dose corticosteroids (0.57), or hydroxychloroquine (0.12). The risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture was significantly increased in RA-CVD patients, particularly women above 40years of age, and could be reduced by statin therapy. However, the protective effect of low-dose corticosteroids or hydroxychloroquine on osteoporotic vertebral fracture risk needs further validation.

The Association of Body Size, Shape and Composition with Vertebral Size in Midlife \u2013 The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

Small vertebral size increases the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Obese individuals have larger vertebral size and potentially lower fracture risk than lean individuals, but scarce data exist on the association between vertebral size and anthropometric measures beyond height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Here, we evaluated several anthropometric measures (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], waist-to-height ratio [WHtR], fat mass [FM], lean body mass [LBM], percentage FM [%FM], percentage LBM [%LBM]) as predictors of vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA). We used a representative sample from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 1087), with anthropometric measurements from the ages of 31 and 46, bioimpedance analysis from the age of 46, and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging from the age of 46 years. In our data, height and LBM correlated most strongly with vertebral CSA among both sexes (0.469 ≤ r ≤ 0.514), while WHR, WHtR, %FM, and %LBM had the weakest correlations with vertebral CSA (|r| ≤ 0.114). We conclude that height and LBM have the highest, yet only moderate correlations with vertebral size. High absolute LBM, rather than FM or abdominal mass accumulation, correlates with large vertebral size and thus potentially also with lower osteoporotic vertebral fracture risk.

Function of low back muscle exercise : Preventive effect of refracture analysis of postoperative vertebral fractures.

Low back muscles exercise reportedly influence the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The exact relationship between the low back muscles exercise and the incidence of vertebral refractures remain unclear. To investigate the ability of exercise to strengthen the low back muscles to prevent vertebral refracture after surgery, through clinical analysis of the vertebral fracture risk reduction program. In total 152 patients with vertebral fractures who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and anti-osteoporosis treatment were randomly divided into observation and control groups. The observation group performed exercises to strengthen the back muscles after surgery. The clinical efficacy and incidence of re-fractures were compared between groups. The observation group had reduced physical dysfunction and pain following surgery. After 3months, the vertebral body height had significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the control group but not in the observation group (P > 0.05). In the observation and control groups, the incidence of vertebral refractures was 9.2% (7/76) and 17.1% (13/76), respectively (P < 0.05). Postoperative exercise to strengthen the back muscles can improve physical function, relieve pain and promote the recovery of vertebral height; it can also assist in maintaining bone density, thereby significantly reducing the risk of refracture. This approach is safe and effective and can help improve the quality of life in patients with vertebral fractures.

Assessment of the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the 2nd and 3rd degree in women in reproductive age and men under 50 with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Rationale : Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) have higher rates of any fractures than those without diabetes. Aim : To identify significant predictors of the osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the 2nd and 3rd degrees and to develop a statistical model for the risk assessment in DM1 patients. Materials and methods : 97 DM1 patients and 77 control aged below 50 participated in this cross-sectional study. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the 2nd and 3rd degrees in DM1 patients. Results : Patients with DM1 had a statistically significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) (Z-criterion) in all areas of the axial skeleton, compared to that in the control group (p&lt; 0.001). Osteoporotic vertebral fractures were significantly more frequent (p=0.0385) in DM1 patients than in the controls. The subgroup of DM1 patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (n=8) had higher daily insulin requirement per kg of bodyweight compared to that in the subgroup of the patients without fractures (n=89; р=0.029), as well as lower axial BMD (Z-criterion L1–L4, p=0.002; femoral neck Z-criterion, p&lt; 0.001; proximal femoral Z-criterion, p=0.002). We developed a statistical regression equation model including two parameters: 1) presence or absence of low femoral neck BMD based on the dual X-ray absorptiometry, 2) daily insulin requirement per kg of bodyweight. Conclusion : The statistical model has the sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 75% to predict that the DM1 patients would have low or high risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures of the 2nd and 3rd degree.

Prevalence of Vertebral Compression Fractures on Routine CT Scans According to L1 Trabecular Attenuation: Determining Relevant Thresholds for Opportunistic Osteoporosis Screening.

Radiologists interpreting body CT scans may be the first to identify osteoporosis and associated vertebral fractures. This study correlates L1 trabecular attenuation measurements with prevalent vertebral body fractures in older adults undergoing routine CT. Mean L1 trabecular attenuation was measured at thoracoabdominal CT in 1966 consecutive adults (983 men and 983 women) 65 years and older (mean age, 74.1 ± 6.6 [SD] years). Sagittal reconstructions and lateral scouts were analyzed for moderate or severe thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures according to the Genant semiquantitative assessment method. The diagnostic performance of L1 attenuation for the evaluation of prevalent vertebral fractures was assessed, including ROC curve analysis. A total of 162 (8.2%) individuals (mean age, 78.3 years; 66 men, 96 women) had at least one moderate or severe vertebral fracture. The mean L1 attenuation was 70.2 HU among patients with a prevalent fracture, whereas it was 132.3 HU among patients without fracture (p < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate or severe vertebral compression fractures was 32.5% when L1 attenuation was ≤ 90 HU. Prevalence increased to 49.2% with L1 attenuation of ≤ 50 HU. ROC curve analysis determined an optimal threshold of 90 HU (sensitivity = 86.9%, specificity = 83.9%), with a corresponding AUC of 0.895. The odds ratio of having a moderate or severe vertebral compression fracture was 31.9 for L1 attenuation ≤ 90 HU (95% CI, 20.2-50.5; p < 0.001). Patients with moderate or severe vertebral compression fractures have significantly lower L1 attenuation values than patients who do not. L1 attenuation ≤ 90 HU may represent an optimal threshold for determining risk for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Risk and clinical predictors of osteoporotic fracture in East Asian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based cohort study.

IntroductionOsteoporosis is becoming an impending epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. The association between risk of osteoporotic fracture (OTPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in East Asian patients is yet to be fully examined. We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study of 98,700 patients aged ≥50 years with or without COPD using a national administrative claims dataset.Materials and MethodsThe patients were divided into COPD and comparison groups comprising 19,740 and 78,960 patients, respectively. The groups were 1 to 4 matched for age, gender, index date, diabetes mellitus, pre-existing osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease. Information such as the geographic area where southern part represented more sunshine exposure, smoking-related diagnoses, alcohol use disorder, whether there was regular use of inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids, vitamin D prescriptions, Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index score, and other relevant medical comorbidities were extracted for analysis. They were followed up until OTPF or the end of the year 2013. The outcome measure was an osteoporotic vertebral fracture and other long-bone fractures. A multivariate Cox model was constructed to derive adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for OTPF with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) after controlling for age, sex, insurance premium category, vitamin D prescription, osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Kaplan–Meier curves of the probability of OTPF-free survival for each cohort were compared using the log-rank test. Patients with OTPF during the first follow-up year were excluded from the overall risk calculation. Contributing factors to the increased risk of OTPF in COPD patients were examined in a sensitivity analysis.ResultsAfter a total follow-up of 68,743 patient-years for the COPD group and 278,051 patient-years for the matched comparison group, the HR for OTPF was 1.24 (95% CI [1.02–1.51]; P = 0.0322) in COPD patients. The aHR was increased by 30% for vertebral OTPF (aHR = 1.297, 95% CI [1.020–1.649]; P = 0.0339). Differential lag time sensitivity analysis revealed a progressively elevated risk up to 8-fold increase in women (aHR = 8.0 (95% CI [1.81–35.4]; P < 0.01)) during the fifth follow-up year. COPD patients with pre-existing osteoporosis or given vitamin D prescription harbor a sustained increased risk up to the 5th (aHR, 4.1; 95% CI [1.61–10.35]) and third (aHR, 2.97; 95% CI [1.48–5.97]) follow-up year, respectively.ConclusionsOur nationwide population-based cohort study demonstrates that East Asian COPD patients aged 50 and beyond do harbor a modestly increased risk for osteoporotic vertebral fractures particularly for those who are female, have pre-existing osteoporosis or require vitamin D prescription.

Association Between Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture and Body Mass Index

Study design: Retrospective study. Objectives: Whether osteoporotic vertebral fracture is associated with obesity is under debate. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between osteoporotic vertebral fracture and body mass index (BMI) by comparing it with other types of osteoporotic fractures. Summary of Literature Review: Several authors have reported the factors that predict the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture in individuals with obesity, but the objective risk factors are still controversial. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on postmenopausal women, including 100 people with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, 104 with femur neck fractures, 107 with distal radius fractures, and 103 with osteoporosis or osteopenia but without fractures. The BMI was calculated and bone mineral density (BMD) test was administered within 3 days after injury. For each type of fracture, the relationships with age, height, weight, BMI, and BMD were investigated. The relationship with the number of osteoporotic vertebral fractures according to BMI was also evaluated. Results: In comparing osteoporotic vertebral fractures and osteoporotic non-vertebral fractures, there were no significant differences in the relationship with age, height, or BMD (p>0.05). Osteoporotic vertebral fractures showed a statistically higher average weight and BMI, compared to other osteoporotic non-vertebral fracture groups (p<0.05). Among those with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, the number of fractures did not show a significant relationship with BMI (p=0.177). Conclusions: In osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients, compared to groups with other types of osteoporotic fractures, average weight and BMI were higher.

Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures as Part of Systemic Disease

Our understanding of the genetic control of skeletogenesis and bone remodeling is expanding, and normally, bone resorption and bone formation are well balanced through regulation by hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Osteoporosis is considered a systemic disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. Consequent increased bone fragility results in higher fracture risk. The most common osteoporotic fractures are located in the spine, and they form a significant health issue. A large variety of systemic diseases are associated with risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, illustrating its multifactorial etiology. Prevalences of these conditions vary from common to extremely rare, and incidence peaks differ according to etiology. This review appreciates different aspects of osteoporotic vertebral fractures as part of systemic disease, including genetic, immunologic, inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine pathways. It seems impossible to be all-comprehensive on this topic; nevertheless, we hope to provide a reasonably thorough overview. Plenty remains to be elucidated in this field, identifying even more associated diseases and further exposing pathophysiological mechanisms underlying osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Diagnosing vertebral fractures: missed opportunities

Vertebral fractures are the single most common type of osteoporotic fracture. Postmenopausal women are at increased risk for osteoporotic vertebral fractures compared with women of childbearing age. Vertebral fractures are associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality, and high risk of a subsequent vertebral fracture, regardless of bone mineral density. Despite the common occurrence and serious consequences of vertebral fractures, they are often unrecognized or misdiagnosed by radiologists. Moreover, vertebral fractures may be described by variable terminology that can confuse rather than enlighten referring physicians. We conducted a survey of spine X-ray reports from a group of postmenopausal women screened for participation in a study of osteoporosis at Centro de Pesquisa Clínica do Brasil. A descriptive analysis evaluated the variability of reports in 7 patients. Four independent general radiologists issued reports assessing vertebral fractures through a blinded analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate for consistency in these reports. The analysis found marked variability in the diagnosis of vertebral fractures and the terminology used to describe them. In community medical practices, such variability could lead to differences in the management of patients with osteoporosis, with the potential for undertreatment or overtreatment depending on clinical circumstances. Accurate and unambiguous reporting of vertebral fractures is likely to be associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Diagnóstico de fraturas vertebrais: oportunidades perdidas

Vertebral fractures are the single most common type of osteoporotic fracture. Postmenopausal women are at increased risk for osteoporotic vertebral fractures compared with women of childbearing age. Vertebral fractures are associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality, and high risk of a subsequent vertebral fracture, regardless of bone mineral density. Despite the common occurrence and serious consequences of vertebral fractures, they are often unrecognized or misdiagnosed by radiologists. Moreover, vertebral fractures may be described by variable terminology that can confuse rather than enlighten referring physicians. We conducted a survey of spine X‐ray reports from a group of postmenopausal women screened for participation in a study of osteoporosis at Centro de Pesquisa Clínica do Brasil. A descriptive analysis evaluated the variability of reports in 7 patients. Four independent general radiologists issued reports assessing vertebral fractures through a blinded analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate for consistency in these reports. The analysis found marked variability in the diagnosis of vertebral fractures and the terminology used to describe them. In community medical practices, such variability could lead to differences in the management of patients with osteoporosis, with the potential for undertreatment or overtreatment depending on clinical circumstances. Accurate and unambiguous reporting of vertebral fractures is likely to be associated with improved clinical outcomes.

What is the effect of spino-pelvic sagittal parameters and back muscles on osteoporotic vertebral fracture?

Study DesignCase control study.PurposeTo examine the effect of spino-pelvic sagittal parameters and back muscles on osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Overview of LiteratureLow bone mass is not the only important component of the risk on osteoporotic vertebral fracture; many other risk factors also contribute to skeletal fragility.MethodsSeventy-two patients who had a lateral radiograph of the whole spine, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, and bone densitometry, were enrolled. The spino-pelvic sagittal parameters (pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt [PT], sacral slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis), age, lumbar bone mineral density, and amount of back muscle around the lumbar spine were analyzed.ResultsThere was higher sagittal imbalance of the spine in the vertebral fracture group (p=0.011). In spinopelvic parameters, the average of PT was 22.13° in vertebral fracture group and 13.70° in the non-fracture group (p=0.002). The amount of lower back extensor muscle in the vertebral fracture group was 2,170 mm2, which was lower than the non-fracture group (3,040 mm2, p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis for the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fracture was significant in lumbar bone mineral density (odds ratio [OR], 0.313; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.139-0.706, p=0.005) and the muscle ratio of extensor back muscle (OR, 0.902; 95% CI, 0.826-0.984; p=0.020).ConclusionsThese results suggest that osteoporotic vertebral fracture could be developed easily by weakness of extensor back muscle in sagittal imbalance of the spine with high pelvic tilt.

Comparison of Teriparatide and Bisphosphonate Treatment to Reduce Pedicle Screw Loosening After Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis From a Bone Quality Perspective

Prospective study. To examine the efficacy of teriparatide or bisphosphonate treatment to reduce pedicle screw (PS) loosening after instrumented lumbar posterolateral fusion in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Failure of fixation caused by loosening of PSs in osteoporosis is a problem in spinal surgery. Oral administration of bisphosphonate or intermittent injection of parathyroid hormone treatment increases bone mass and reduces the risk of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Although these treatments may be factor in improving bone quality, a clinical study of the efficacy of bisphosphonate or parathyroid hormone for reducing PS loosening that addresses the quality of the bone marrow and pedicle cortex has not yet been reported. Sixty-two women with osteoporosis diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis were divided into 3 groups: a teriparatide group (daily subcutaneous injection of 20 μg of teriparatide, n = 20), a bisphosphonate group (daily oral administration 2.5 mg of risedronate, n = 20), and a control group (without medication for osteoporosis, n = 22). All patients underwent decompression and 1- or 2-level instrumented posterolateral fusion with a local bone graft. Loosening of PSs and surgical outcome were evaluated radiographically, clinically, and by computed tomography 12 months after surgery. At 12-month follow-up, the incidence of PS loosening was 7% to 13% in the teriparatide group, 13% to 26% in the risedronate group, and 15% to 25% in the control group. The incidence of PS loosening in the teriparatide group was significantly lower than that in the risedronate or the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the extent of PS loosening in the risedronate group was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that administration of teriparatide increased the quality of the lumbar spine bone marrow and pedicle cortex.