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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-11-2019 | Computed Tomography | Orthopaedic Surgery

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

Authors: Julio Urrutia, Pablo Besa, Cristobal Piza

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 11/2019

Abstract

Introduction

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 60 years old evaluated with chest plus abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans, allowing visualization of the entire thoraco-lumbar spine, who incidentally present VCF.

Materials and methods

We evaluated 300 patients over 60 years 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.

Results

In our cohort [median age 72.5 years (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).

Conclusion

An important proportion of patients over 60 years 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.

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Title: Incidental identification of vertebral compression fractures in patients over 60 years old using computed tomography scans showing the entire thoraco-lumbar spine
Authors: Julio Urrutia
Pablo Besa
Cristobal Piza
Publication date: 01-11-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 11/2019
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03177-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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