Diagnosis of Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: To present updated information on the diagnosis of osteoporotic spinal fractures (OSFs). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Conventional modalities including simple radiographs, bone mineral density (BMD) tests, and bone scans are sufficient for diagnosis of OSFs. However, other clinical and radiographic clues should be considered for prediction of the prognosis and differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: Clinical clues including morphometric changes in the vertebral body are sufficient for diagnosis of OSFs. BMD testing is helpful for diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, simple radiographs and BMD tests do not present sufficient information on the prognosis of OSFs. The location of the involved segments, morphological characteristics, and other co-morbidities should be taken into consideration in the initial management of OSFs. Moreover, pathologic conditions leading to spinal fractures should be taken into account in some clinical situations. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing reports of complicated OSFs or other pathologic fractures, other diagnostic modalities and clinical factors should be considered in predicting the prognosis of OSFs and differentiating OSFs from other pathologic conditions.