Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: A diagnostic challenge in the 21st century

Rev Clin Esp (Barc). 2021 Feb;221(2):118-124. doi: 10.1016/j.rceng.2019.09.013. Epub 2020 Apr 3.

Abstract

Vertebral fractures are the most prevalent osteoporotic fractures and are paradoxically the most underdiagnosed. While only one-third of patients have acute pain, they can present other associated chronic complications. Vertrebal fractures are associated with the onset of new fractures, both vertebral and nonvertebral. Radiography of the dorsal-lumbar spine is a useful tool for detecting them but depends on the subjective interpretation of the physician conducting the assessment. New techniques, such as vertebral morphometry, have recently demonstrated greater efficacy in detecting v vertebral fractures and are performed concomitantly with bone densitometry. Knowing how to identify vertebral fractures is essential for the secondary prevention of new fractures and improving our patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Fractura vertebral; Morfometría vertebral; Osteoporosis; Radiografía; Radiography; Vertebral fracture; Vertebral morphometry.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries
  • Osteoporosis* / complications
  • Osteoporosis* / epidemiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / epidemiology
  • Quality of Life
  • Spinal Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures* / etiology