Diagnostic imaging in patients with vertebral compression fractures

Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2024 Nov-Dec;68(6):582-586. doi: 10.1016/j.recot.2024.06.007. Epub 2024 Jun 13.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Vertebral compression fractures by osteoporosis (OVF) is usually a diagnostic problem and coincides on the age group of metastatic vertebral compression fractures (MVF). Although radiography is the first diagnostic technique, generally is not accurate for depicting demineralization and soft tissue lesions. Magnetic resonance (MRI) is the diagnostic choice. The most relevant signs are Intravertebral fluid collection or fluid signal, other vertebral deformities without edema and older age. Among the most relevant findings for diagnosis MVF are soft tissue mass and pedicle intensity signal asymmetries. However, reproducibility of these findings in clinical practice is moderate.

Keywords: Densitometry; Densitometría; Fracturas osteoporóticas; Fracturas vertebrales; Magnetic resonance imaging; Metástasis neoplásicas; Neoplasm metastasis; Observer variation; Osteoporotic fractures; Resonancia magnética; Spinal fractures; Variación observador.