Identification of alcohol abuse: thoracic fractures on routine chest X-rays as indicators of alcoholism

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1980 Oct;4(4):420-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1980.tb04842.x.

Abstract

In a retrospective study, rib and thoracic vertebral fractures were found to be present on posteroanterior and lateral routine chest x-rays of 57 (28.9%) of 198 alcoholic male patients and in 4 (1.8%) of 218 nonalcoholic male control subjects. The magnitude of the increased prevalence (16-fold; p < 0.001) of rib and vertebral fractures in alcoholics suggest that routine chest x-rays should be useful in the identification of problem drinking and may be used, along with other indices, in population screening for alcoholism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Alcoholism / diagnosis*
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fractures, Bone / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / etiology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / injuries