Published in:
01-08-2009 | Original Article
Spine radiographs to improve the identification of women at high risk for fractures
Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 8/2009
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Summary
In women older than 60 years with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but without osteoporosis based on bone mineral density (T-score ≥ −2.5), a systematic survey with X-rays of the spine identified previously unknown vertebral deformities in 21% of women.
Introduction
This study determines the prevalence of vertebral deformities in elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but with BMD values above the threshold for osteoporosis (T-score ≥ −2.5).
Methods
Bisphosphonate naïve women older than 60 years attending 35 general practices in the Netherlands with ≥2 clinical risk factors for osteoporosis were invited for BMD measurement (DXA). In women with T-score ≥ −2.5 at both spine and the hips, lateral radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine were performed.
Results
Of 631 women with a DXA measurement, 187 (30%) had osteoporosis (T-score < −2.5 at the spine or the hip). Of the remaining 444 women with T-score ≥ −2.5 at both spine and hip, 387 had additional spine radiographs, of whom 80 (21%) had at least one vertebral deformity.
Conclusion
In elderly women with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis but BMD T-score ≥ −2.5, addition of spine radiographs identified vertebral deformities in 21% (95% CI: 17–25). Since these women are at risk of future fractures, antiosteoporotic treatment should be considered.