Vertebral Insufficiency Fractures Research Articles

Alteration in the Cross-sectional Area (CSA) Ratio of the Paraspinal Muscles following Vertebral Insufficiency Fractures.

Background Vertebral insufficiency fractures in the elderly are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is essential to direct patient-specific rehabilitation. Aims We hypothesize that in patients with vertebral insufficiency fractures, there is atrophy of the psoas and paraspinal muscles with alteration in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscles. Materials and Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies for 100 consecutive patients, older than 60 years presenting with lower back pain, were included in the study. For each MRI study, the CSA of the psoas and paraspinal muscles (multifidus) at the level of L4/5-disc space was measured to calculate the cross-sectional area ratio (CSAR) by two readers. One reader repeated the measurements after an interval of 2 weeks. We divided the patients ( n = 100) into various groups based on the number of vertebral fractures. Results In total, 77 patients with vertebral body fractures (48 with one, 16 with two and 13 with more than two fractures) were identified with a mean age of 73 (range 60-92) years. The ratio of multifidus CSA to psoas CSA was calculated with mean values of each group (1-4) as 2.56, 1.89, 2.09 and 2.16, respectively. There was statistically significance difference of the CSAR between the cohorts ( p -value = 0.0115). Conclusion Vertebral insufficiency fractures in the elderly are associated not only with atrophy of psoas and the multifidus group of muscles as evident by the CSA values, but they also affect the CSAR depending on the number of fractures. This finding may help to direct targeted patient-specific physiotherapy rehabilitation and interventions to prevent further such fractures.

P067: A pilot of lung cancer screening for survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma

Background: Alkylating agents and thoracic radiation put survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at excess risk of lung cancer (30-year cumulative incidence 6.4%). Lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose CT thorax (LDCT) scans reduces lung cancer mortality in ever smokers in the general population by detecting early-stage lung cancers. We ran an LCS pilot in HL survivors, who are generally ineligible for LCS programmes aimed at the general population. Methods: 218 5+ year survivors of HL treated with mustine or procarbazine and/or thoracic radiation were identified from a follow-up database (ADAPT) hosted at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and sent a letter of invitation. Participants underwent a baseline LDCT scan. Scans were reported as negative/indeterminate/positive in accordance with lung nodule guidelines. Indeterminate nodules required a further LDCT scan 3-months later. Participants with a positive scan were referred to lung cancer services. Results: Of the 218 invited to the study 54% were female, median age was 53 (range 25–80), median years since treatment 21 (6–45). 12 were ineligible. 127 (59%) expressed interest in participating. The uptake among eligible responders was 83% (102/123). Participation was not influenced by age or gender. Baseline LDCT scan results in 102 participants were: 90 (88.2%) negative, 10 (9.8%) indeterminate, 2 (2.0%) positive. 3-month surveillance LDCT scan results (n=9) were: positive (2), stable (5), with 2 pending. Among 4 participants with positive baseline or 3-month scans, 1 has been diagnosed with early-stage small-cell lung cancer and treated with curative intent, 1 is undergoing tests for presumed lung cancer and 2 are undergoing further surveillance. Coronary artery calcification was detected in 36.3%. Clinically significant incidental findings including emphysema, bronchiectasis, pulmonary inflammation/infection, metastatic breast cancer and vertebral insufficiency fractures were seen in 20 (19.6%). Notably, 3/35 participants who were ever smokers met the age and risk criteria for LCS through the programme aimed at the general population. Conclusion: LDCT scanning protocols tested in the general population are appropriate for use in the HL survivor population in a future targeted LCS programme. The feasibility of such a programme is contingent on developing methods to identify and contact long-term survivors of HL at risk of lung cancer and on investigating and addressing barriers to uptake.

Vertebral body insufficiency fractures: detection of vertebrae at risk on standard CT images using texture analysis and machine learning.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of bone texture analysis (TA) combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms in standard CT scans to identify patients with vertebrae at risk for insufficiency fractures. Standard CT scans of 58 patients with insufficiency fractures of the spine, performed between 2006 and 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Every included patient had at least two CT scans. Intact vertebrae in a first scan that either fractured ("unstable") or remained intact ("stable") in the consecutive scan were manually segmented on mid-sagittal reformations. TA features for all vertebrae were extracted using open-source software (MaZda). In a paired control study, all vertebrae of the study cohort "cases" and matched controls were classified using ROC analysis of Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements and supervised ML techniques. In a within-subject vertebra comparison, vertebrae of the cases were classified into "unstable" and "stable" using identical techniques. One hundred twenty vertebrae were included. Classification of cases/controls using ROC analysis of HU measurements showed an AUC of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.88), and ML-based classification showed an AUC of 0.97 (CI, 0.97-0.98). Classification of unstable/stable vertebrae using ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.52 (CI, 0.42-0.63), and ML-based classification showed an AUC of 0.64 (CI, 0.61-0.67). TA combined with ML allows to identifying patients who will suffer from vertebral insufficiency fractures in standard CT scans with high accuracy. However, identification of single vertebra at risk remains challenging. • Bone texture analysis combined with machine learning allows to identify patients at risk for vertebral body insufficiency fractures on standard CT scans with high accuracy. • Compared to mere Hounsfield unit measurements on CT scans, application of bone texture analysis combined with machine learning improve fracture risk prediction. • This analysis has the potential to identify vertebrae at risk for insufficiency fracture and may thus increase diagnostic value of standard CT scans.

What is the future of patient-specific vertebral fracture prediction?

This paper aims to introduce a few alternative methodologies for prediction of vertebral fractures, the most common type being fragility fracture in the elderly. Current methods, such as DXA, for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting the risk of vertebral failure, are often not accurate thereby preventing those patients at risk from receiving adequate treatment. Robust fracture prediction models for vertebral fracture risk should not only include BMD, as measured by DXA, but should incorporate a wide range of factors including bone geometry, bone mineral distribution within the vertebral body, daily living activities, and spine musculature. One promising technique is finite element modeling, which has been developed over the past several decades and implements clinical imaging, such as quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and engineering fundamentals to more accurately predict the risk of fracture. Other imaging tools that assess bone mineral distribution and structure at the microscopic level include micro-CT or high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT). These newer techniques hold the promise of more accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis and those at risk for vertebral insufficiency fractures before they occur.

Incidence and risk factors for early adjacent vertebral fractures after balloon kyphoplasty for osteoporotic fractures: analysis of the SWISSspine registry

The SWISSspine registry (SSR) was launched in 2005 to assess the safety and effectiveness of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). In the meantime, repeated reports on high rates of adjacent vertebral fractures (ASF) after BKP of vertebral insufficiency fractures were published. The causes for ASF and their risk factors are still under debate. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and potential risk factors of ASF within the SSR dataset. The SSR data points are collected perioperatively and during follow-ups, with surgeon- and patient-based information. All patients documented with a monosegmental osteoporotic vertebral insufficiency fracture between March 2005 and May 2012 were included in the study. The incidence of ASF, significant associations with co-variates (patient age, gender, fracture location, cement volume, preoperative segmental kyphosis, extent of kyphosis correction, and individual co-morbidities) and influence on quality of life (EQ-5D) and back pain (VAS) were analyzed. A total of 375 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.6 months was included. ASF were found in 9.9 % (n = 37) and occurred on average 2.8 months postoperatively. Preoperative segmental kyphosis >30° (p = 0.026), and rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.038) and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.047) were significantly associated with ASF. Furthermore, patients with ASF had significantly higher back pain at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). No further significant associations between the studied co-variates and ASF were seen in the adjusted analysis. The findings suggest that patients with a preoperative segmental kyphosis >30° or patients with co-morbidities like rheumatoid arthritis and a cardiovascular disease are at high risk of ASF within 6 months after the index surgery. In case of an ASF event, back pain levels are significantly increased. IV.

Coblation vertebroplasty for complex vertebral insufficiency fractures

Coblation to create a cavity in the affected vertebral body was performed for complex fractures and/or when there was a posterior wall defect. This permitted a low-pressure injection and potentially reduces the risk of extravasation of cement into the spinal canal. Prospective audit for outcome measures and complications allowed retrospective review of cases treated by coblation. A commercial wand inserted via a wide-bore vertebroplasty needle created a cavity before inserting cement. A visual analogue scale assessed pain and Roland Morris scoring assessed mobility. Thirty-two coblation procedures were performed. Primary diagnoses were myeloma, metastases, osteoporosis and trauma. Outcome measures were recorded with a 56 % success rate, 6 % no change and 32 % with mixed but mainly positive results; 6 % died before follow-up. No complications were observed; in particular no patient suffered neurological damage and none have developed subsequent fractures at the treated levels. This technique makes possible cementation of patients who would otherwise be unsuitable for vertebroplasty. The modest pain and disability improvement is partly due to our stringent criteria as well as fracture complexity. Further work will assess the efficacy of the method compared with conservative measures. • Treatment of vertebral compression fractures with possible posterior wall defects is controversial. • Coblation before vertebroplasty allows a low-pressure injection into fractured vertebrae. • This technique reduces risk of extravasation of cement. • No serious complication of our coblation procedures was observed.

Zementaugmentation bei osteoporotischen Wirbelkompressionsfrakturen

High-quality evidence has raised significant questions on the widespread use of vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteopenic vertebral insufficiency fractures. Further research is shifting the burden of proof on procedures such as balloon kyphoplasty and other interventions. New prospective clinical trials may need to consider including sham arms to enhance their relevance.

Course Number 410: Geriatrics Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Vertebral Insufficiency Fractures in Nonagenarians

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in nonagenarians. Design: A prospective observational cohort study of consecutive 90- to 99-year-old, osteoporotic patients with vertebral compression fractures. Setting: Private practice, office-based pain management center. Participants: Osteoporotic nonagenarians with painful vertebral compression fractures (61 patients; 47 women; mean age, 94.8y; mean symptom duration, 33.4d).

Insufficiency fracture of the spine: a prospective analysis based on radiographic and scintigraphic diagnosis.

To investigate the clinical characteristics of insufficiency fracture of the spine, patients aged 65 years or older, who had been hospitalized for acute low back pain without either an acute traumatic event or a previous history of malignant disease, were examined by plain radiographs and technetium-99m methylene disphosphonate bone scanning. Fifteen patients were diagnosed as having a vertebral insufficiency fracture on the basis of: (a) radiographic oseteopenia of the vertebra; (b) positive bone scan images; and (c) no episode of newly identified malignant disease in a subsequent 1 year follow up. These patients were analysed with respect to age, gender, bone mineral density, the number and distribution of the affected vertebrae, the extent of vertebral deformity, and consistency between radiographic and bone scan findings. Vertebral insufficiency fractures exhibited: (a) strict female predominance; (b) concave deformity of the affected vertebra; (c) a wide range of the vertebral height ratios and fracture distribution; and (d) low consistency between the vertebral deformity assessed by the lateral radiograph and positive activity on bone scanning. These findings represent a unique clinical feature of vertebral insufficiency fracture, and also emphasize the difficulty of radiographic diagnosis, as well as the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Risk of vertebral insufficiency fractures in relation to compressive strength predicted by quantitative computed tomography

Vertebral insufficiency fractures may result from excessive loading of normal and routine loading of osteoporotic spines. Fracture occurs when the mechanical load exceeds the vertebral compressive strength, i.e., the maximum load a vertebra can tolerate. Vertebral compressive strength is determined by trabecular bone density and the size of endplate area. Both parameters can be measured non-invasively by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). In 75 patients compressive strength (i.e., trabecular bone density and endplate area) of the vertebra L3 was determined using QCT. In addition, conventional radiographs of the spines were analysed for the prevalence of insufficiency fractures in each case. By relating fracture prevalence to strength, three fracture risk groups were found: a high-risk group with strength values of L3 < 3 kN (kilo Newton) and a fracture risk of 100%, an intermediate group with strength values from 3 to 5 kN and a steeply increasing risk with decreasing strength, and a low-risk group with strength values > 5 kN and a fracture risk near 0%. Biomechanical measurements and model calculations indicate that spinal loads of 3 to 4 kN at L 3 4 will be common in everyday activities. These data and the results described above suggest that spines with strength values of L3 < 3 kN are at an extremely high risk of insufficiency fractures in daily life. Advantages of fracture risk assessment by strength determination over risk estimation based on clinically used trabecular bone density measurements are discussed.