Purpose: The purpose was to assess if abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and low bone mineral density (BMD) are associated with fractures on lumbar spine radiographs in trauma patients.
Methods: Retrospectively, 303 consecutive lumbar radiographs were independently reviewed by two radiologists for AAC, low BMD, and traumatic findings.
Results: Thirty-one percent of patients had low BMD, 34% had AAC, and 24% had both. Eleven percent of radiographs showed traumatic findings. Seventy-six percent of positive cases had low BMD (P<.001), and 64% had AAC (P<.001).
Conclusion: A higher index of suspicion for fractures is warranted when AAC and low BMD are present.
Keywords: Aortic calcifications; Emergency department; Lumbar spine; Osteoporosis; Vertebral fracture.
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