Classification and distribution of fracture areas in fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures based on CT multi-planar reconstruction and MRI / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND; Some scholars have classified osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures based on X-ray and MRI findings. However, little is reported on the morphological types and distribution rules of fracture areas in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. OBJECTIVE; To investigate and summarize the morphological types and distribution of fracture areas in fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures based on CT multi-planar reconstruction and MRI. METHODS; Clinical data from 352 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, 73.07 years of age, including 69 males and 283 females admitted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from September 2011 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. After admission, CT multi-planar reconstruction, MRI and bone mineral density measurements were conducted in each patient. Fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were confirmed in 477 vertebrae according to clinical manifestations and imaging findings. Fracture areas were defined as shade compact or bright line based on CT multi-planar reconstruction or bone marrow edema on the MRI. Morphological type and distribution of fracture areas were recorded by two experienced spinal surgeons and one senior radiologist independently. The study protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China with an approval No. ZYYECKYJ[2017]057. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Fracture areas of 472 vertebrae were indicated distinctly on the MRI, whereas the fracture areas of 5 vertebrae were unclear. Meanwhile, fracture areas of 469 vertebrae were shown clearly on the CT multi-planar reconstruction, but the areas of 8 vertebrae were obscure on the CT. Fracture areas of 5 vertebrae were unclear in both CT and MRI. There was no significant difference between CT and MRI in the observation of fracture areas (P=0.402). Finally, fracture areas of 8 vertebrae could not be described accurately on CT, MRI or both. In the sagittal plane of CT and MRI, morphological types of fracture areas of 469 vertebrae were divided into impacted fracture area (n=311, 66.31%) and cleft fracture area (n=158, 33.69%). Of the 158 cleft fracture areas, 26 vertebrae contained gas, 28 vertebrae contained liquid, and 7 vertebrae included both gas and liquid. Of the 469 vertebrae, the location of fracture areas was divided into 5 types: Superior (n=238, 50.75%), inferior (n=80,17.06%), anterior (n=21, 4.48%), central (n=110, 23.45%) and mixed (n=20, 4.26%). These findings indicate that the morphological types and distribution of fracture areas in fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures can be effectively distinguished by CT multi-planar reconstruction and MRI, which is important for early diagnosis and further treatment of fresh osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Infectious Spondylitis Mimicking Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Report of Two Cases

STUDY DESIGN: Case study of two cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to describe the rare MR imaging patterns of infectious spondylitis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It is generally accepted that the intravertebral cleft sign is not shown in cases of infection or malignancy, and thus, its recognition can obviate unnecessary imaging or biopsy because of its benign significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients are presented who developed worsening back pain after a minor trauma. Preoperative MR images of these patients showed intravertebral fluid and benign vertebral compression fractures. Anterior decompression and fusion were done and the bacteria isolated from the intraoperative cultures were Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. RESULTS: After 2 years of follow-up, the patients were free of pain, without signs of infection, and showed correct fusion. CONCLUSIONS: MR findings in infectious spondylitis may simulate the patterns of osteoporotic VCFs.

Definition, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Kummell's Disease / 대한골다공증학회지

Over 100 years ago, Hermann Kummell described a clinical condition in which patients sustained a trivial trauma, had essentially asymptomatic period lasting weeks to months, then developed a painful, progressive angular kyphosis. Since then, many post-traumatic delayed kyphosis have been reported as a Kummell's disease. As a radiologic finding of intravertebral cleft sign was related to this delayed collapse, this abnormal gas or fluid signal in the involved vertebral body was considered as a pathognomic sign. However, recent evidences indicate this delayed progressive collapse and kyphosis of the spine is related to osteoporotic spine fracture in many reports. At this point, by defining and reviewing the definition and etiology of Kummell's disease, we have to look into whether Kummell's disease is a distinct or rare pathophysiologic entity or a complicated clinical result of osteoporotic spine fracture. In this review, author tried to clearly define the definition and diagnosis criteria to diagnose Kummell's disease as a complicated osteoporotic spine fracture and review treatment modalities for this complicated clinical condition.