ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the diagnostic value of the radiologic characteristics of osteoporotic Kummell's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total 16 patients with pathologically confirmed osteoporotic Kummell's diseases were reviewed from May 2010 to May 2012, including 4 males and 12 females with the mean age of 73.4 years (ranged, 67 to 83 years old). Radiologic imagings of all patients, including X-ray, CT and MRI, were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intravertebral linear clefts could be seen on the AP and lateral X-ray films of vertebrae. Sagittal and axial CT scans demonstrated the vacuum cleft phenomenon with liquid and air was identified within the vertebral body. Sagittal MRI showed the callapsed vertebral segment and the area of fluid signal with clear and intact border within the vertebral body. The fluid signal was low on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images and stir images, which was corresponding to an intravertebral vacuum cleft.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The radiologic characteristics of Kurmmell's diseases can provide valuable evidences for the early diagnosis.</p>