Common normal variants of pediatric vertebral development that mimic fractures: a pictorial review from a national longitudinal bone health study

Age-specific normative values of sacral development and fusion in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study utilizing multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography imaging

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the index of the sacral vertebrae fusion period in children and adolescents to diagnose the lesion around the sacral spine accurately.

METHODS

Patients aged 0-40 years who underwent computed tomography (CT), including the normal sacrum for screening abdominal disorders and pan-scan in trauma between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. There were 402 eligible sacra (385 patients: 206 women and 179 men). We evaluated bony fusion at six parts of the sacral vertebrae (anterior or posterior of each intervertebral and both side lateral masses). The predicted probability of bony fusion obtained from the logistic regression model is depicted graphically by sex.

RESULTS

The association between bony fusion in each vertebral segment and age was evaluated using a logistic regression model with a Huber-White robust sandwich estimator, including the patient as a clustering variable. Bony fusion of the sacral bodies of S1/S2 was slowest, with 80% of patients achieving bony fusion at 28.7 and 24.6 years of age for men and women, respectively. Compared to men, women exhibited earlier fusion of the intervertebral segments of the sacral vertebrae; however, no significant difference between the sexes in terms of eventual bony fusion at the lateral mass was observed, while the initiation of bony fusion occurred earlier in women.

CONCLUSION

The predicted probability of bony fusion could aid pediatricians, orthopedists, radiologists, and other physicians in understanding the normal development of the sacral spine and accurately differentiating the lesion around the sacral spine.

Approach to the Pediatric Patient With Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for many conditions of childhood and an important cause of skeletal and endocrine morbidity. Here, we discuss cases that bring to life the most important concepts in the management of pediatric GC-induced osteoporosis (pGIO). Given the wide variety of underlying conditions linked to pGIO, we focus on the fundamental clinical-biological principles that provide a blueprint for management in any clinical context. In so doing, we underscore the importance of longitudinal vertebral fracture phenotyping, how knowledge about the timing and risk of fractures influences monitoring, the role of bone mineral density in pGIO assessments, and the impact of growth-mediated "vertebral body reshaping" after spine fractures on the therapeutic approach. Overall, pGIO management is predicated upon early identification of fractures (including vertebral) in those at risk, and timely intervention when there is limited potential for spontaneous recovery. Even a single, low-trauma long bone or vertebral fracture can signal an osteoporotic event in an at-risk child. The most widely used treatments for pediatric osteoporosis, intravenous bisphosphonates, are currently recommended first-line for the treatment of pGIO. It is recognized, however, that even early identification of bone fragility, combined with timely introduction of the most potent bisphosphonate therapies, may not completely prevent osteoporosis progression in all contexts. Therefore, prevention of first-ever fractures in the highest-risk settings is on the horizon, where there is also a need to move beyond antiresorptives to the study of anabolic agents.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block to Treat CRPS in an 18-Month-Old Girl: A Breaking Barriers Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Children under the age of 3 years have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). They were found to be functionally disadvantaged and psychologically distressed in relation to children with other painful conditions.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 18-month-old baby girl was referred to the pain clinic with a history of severe right lower limb pain that had begun 2 months earlier. The parents were unable to recall any trauma before the painful situation. Pain and allodynia were severe and extended from the toes to the gluteus area. She was low weight for her age (6700 g). The patient was on the maximum doses of gabapentin and amitriptyline accepted for her body weight and did not have the possibility to start rehabilitation due to severe pain and allodynia. After discussing the risks and potential benefits of a planned lumbar sympathetic block (LSB), the parents approved the interventional procedure. This is the first case report describing the LSB technique at such a young age.

METHOD

A lumbar sympathetic block was carried on at the third lumbar vertebral level, fluoroscopy-guided, and under general anesthesia (GA) initiated with ketamine iv. A 4-cm needle was introduced using a tunneled vision approach in an oblique view at the L3 level until adequate depth was confirmed in the lateral position. Safety considerations were taken in relation to the radiation dose and all drugs injected with dose adjustment to her body weight. The block was successful (the skin temperature increased by 2.8 °C) and was uneventful. Pain and allodynia were completely alleviated in the recovery room. At the follow-up after 3 and 8 weeks, the parents reported an 80% improvement in pain and allodynia, a 70% improvement in sleep, a weight gain of 900 g, and that she had started rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar sympathetic blocks can be considered at a very young age to treat CRPS if other non-invasive measures fail.

Radiological diagnosis of prevalent osteoporotic vertebral fracture on radiographs: an interim consensus from a group of experts of the ESSR osteoporosis and metabolism subcommittee

When a low-energy trauma induces an acute vertebral fracture (VF) with clinical symptoms, a definitive diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) can be made. Beyond that, a "gold" radiographic standard to distinguish osteoporotic from non-osteoporotic VFs does not exist. Fracture-shaped vertebral deformity (FSVD) is defined as a deformity radiographically indistinguishable from vertebral fracture according to the best of the reading radiologist's knowledge. FSVD is not uncommon among young populations with normal bone strength. FSVD among an older population is called osteoporotic-like vertebral fracture (OLVF) when the FSVD is likely to be associated with compromised bone strength. In more severe grade deformities or when a vertebra is collapsed, OVF diagnosis can be made with a relatively high degree of certainty by experienced readers. In "milder" cases, OVF is often diagnosed based on a high probability rather than an absolute diagnosis. After excluding known mimickers, singular vertebral wedging in older women is statistically most likely an OLVF. For older women, three non-adjacent minimal grade OLVF (< 20% height loss), one minimal grade OLVF and one mild OLVF (20-25% height loss), or one OLVF with ≥ 25% height loss, meet the diagnosis of osteoporosis. For older men, a single OLVF with < 40% height loss may be insufficient to suggest the subject is osteoporotic. Common OLVF differential diagnoses include X-ray projection artifacts and scoliosis, acquired and developmental short vertebrae, osteoarthritic wedging, oncological deformities, deformity due to high-energy trauma VF, lateral hyperosteogeny of a vertebral body, Cupid's bow, and expansive endplate, among others.

Vertebral Body Reshaping after Fractures: An Important Index of Recovery in Glucocorticoid-Treated Children

PURPOSE

In this 6-year study we identified factors associated with spontaneous vertebral body reshaping in glucocorticoid (GC)-treated children with leukemia, rheumatic disorders, and nephrotic syndrome.

METHODS

Subjects were 79 children (mean age 7.4 years) who had vertebral fracture (VF) evaluation on lateral spine radiographs at least 1 year after VF detection. VF were graded using the modified Genant semiquantitative method and fracture burden for individuals was quantified using the spinal deformity index (SDI; sum of grades from T4 to L4).

RESULTS

Sixty-five children (82.3%) underwent complete vertebral body reshaping (median time from VF detection to complete reshaping 1.3 years by Cox proportional hazard modeling). Of 237 VF, the majority (83.1%) ultimately reshaped, with 87.2% reshaping in the thoracic region vs 70.7% in the lumbar region (P = .004). Cox models showed that (1) every g/m2 increase in GC exposure in the first year after VF detection was associated with a 19% decline in the probability of reshaping; (2) each unit increase in the SDI at the time of VF detection was associated with a 19% decline in the probability of reshaping [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71, 0.92; P = .001]; (3) each additional VF present at the time of VF detection reduced reshaping by 25% (HR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.90; P = .002); and (4) each higher grade of VF severity decreased reshaping by 65% (HR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.57; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

After experiencing a VF, children with higher GC exposure, higher SDI, more severe fractures, or lumbar VF were at increased risk for persistent vertebral deformity.

A practical guide to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in childhood and adolescence

Osteoporosis in childhood distinguishes itself from adulthood in four important ways: 1) challenges in distinguishing otherwise healthy children who have experienced fractures due to non-accidental injury or misfortunate during sports and play from those with an underlying bone fragility condition; 2) a preponderance of monogenic "early onset" osteoporotic conditions that unveil themselves during the pediatric years; 3) the unique potential, in those with residual growth and transient bone health threats, to reclaim bone density, structure, and strength without bone-targeted therapy; and 4) the need to benchmark bone health metrics to constantly evolving "normal targets", given the changes in bone size, shape, and metabolism that take place from birth through late adolescence. On this background, the pediatric osteoporosis field has evolved considerably over the last few decades, giving rise to a deeper understanding of the discrete genes implicated in childhood-onset osteoporosis, the natural history of bone fragility in the chronic illness setting and associated risk factors, effective diagnostic and monitoring pathways in different disease contexts, the importance of timely identification of candidates for osteoporosis treatment, and the benefits of early (during growth) rather than late (post-epiphyseal fusion) treatment. While there has been considerable progress, a number of unmet needs remain, the most urgent of which is to move beyond the monotherapeutic anti-resorptive landscape to the study and application of anabolic agents that are anticipated to not only improve bone mineral density but also increase long bone cross-sectional diameter (periosteal circumference). The purpose of this review is to provide a practical guide to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in children presenting to the clinic with fragility fractures, one that serves as a step-by-step "how to" reference for clinicians in their routine clinical journey. The article also provides a sightline to the future, emphasizing the clinical scenarios with the most urgent need for an expanded toolbox of effective osteoporosis agents in childhood.

Reporting of paediatric osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and potential impact on clinical management: the need for standardised and structured reporting

BACKGROUND

In boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), initiation of bisphosphonate is recommended upon identification of moderate or severe vertebral fractures, even if asymptomatic. Clear radiological reporting is important for consistency of clinical interpretation and management.

OBJECTIVES

To audit radiology reports of spine imaging for vertebral fracture assessment in DMD, and assess potential impact on diagnosis and management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lateral thoracolumbar spine imaging (71 lateral spine radiographs and 13 lateral dual energy absorptiometry spine image) in 84 boys with DMD performed across two centres. Anonymised radiology reports by paediatric radiologists were circulated to two neuromuscular clinicians and two endocrinologists. Clinicians determined if there was vertebral fracture, no vertebral fracture, or unclear interpretation. Endocrinologists also determined if bisphosphonate was indicated. A single observer (a clinician with expertise in vertebral fracture assessment) performed vertebral fracture assessment in 37 images and re-reported using a structured format. Structured reports were re-circulated to the four clinicians to re-evaluate the degree of concordance in clinical diagnosis of vertebral fracture and treatment decisions with bisphosphonate.

RESULTS

The term "fracture" was used in 25/84 (30%) radiology reports and only in 8/43 (19%) with description of vertebral body abnormalities. Fracture grading was included in 7/43 (16%) radiology reports. Diagnostic concordance by the clinicians was noted in 36/84 (43%). Unclear interpretation was noted in 22% to 51% based on radiology reports. No unclear interpretation was noted with structured reports. Complete diagnostic (37/37, 100%) and treatment (37/37, 100%) concordance was noted with the structured reports, whereas complete diagnostic and treatment concordance was noted in only 16/37 (43%) and 17/37 (46%) of the radiology reports, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Only a third of radiology reports of spine imaging in DMD explicitly used the terminology "fracture". Grading was only noted in a small percentage. Variability in diagnostic interpretation by clinicians may lead to differing management plans. As identification of vertebral fracture is a trigger for treatment, developing reporting guidelines for paediatric vertebral fracture assessment will improve care. A structured template should be introduced for radiological reporting of paediatric vertebral fracture assessment.

Update on Pediatric Spine Imaging

The spine is often difficult to evaluate clinically in children, increasing the importance of diagnostic imaging to detect a wide variety of spinal disorders ranging from congenital abnormalities to severe infections. Clinical history and physical examination can help determine whether imaging is needed and which imaging technique would be best. The most common cause for back pain, even in children, is muscular strain/spasm that does not require any imaging. However, red flags such as pain at age < 5 years, constant pain, night pain, radicular pain, pain lasting > 4 weeks, or an abnormal neurologic examination may require further investigation. Imaging can be of great value for diagnosis but must be interpreted along with the clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory findings to achieve an accurate diagnosis. We discuss imaging for the most common and/or important spine pathologies in children: congenital and developmental pathologies, trauma, infectious processes, inflammatory causes, and tumors.

Emergency MRI in Spine Trauma of Children and Adolescents-A Pictorial Review

Severe spinal trauma is uncommon in the pediatric population, but due to the potentially devastating consequences of missed injury, it poses a diagnostic challenge in emergency departments. Diagnostic imaging is often needed to exclude or confirm the injury and to assess its extent. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers an excellent view of both bony and soft tissue structures and their traumatic findings without exposing children to ionizing radiation. Our pictorial review aims to demonstrate the typical traumatic findings, physiological phenomena, and potential pitfalls of emergency MRI in the trauma of the growing spine.

Management of Growth Disorders in Puberty: GH, GnRHa, and Aromatase Inhibitors: A Clinical Review

Pubertal children with significant growth retardation represent a considerable therapeutic challenge. In growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and in those without identifiable pathologies (idiopathic short stature), the impact of using GH is significantly hindered by the relentless tempo of bone age acceleration caused by sex steroids, limiting time available for growth. Estrogen principally modulates epiphyseal fusion in females and males. GH production rates and growth velocity more than double during puberty, and high-dose GH use has shown dose-dependent increases in linear growth, but also can raise insulin-like growth factor I concentrations supraphysiologically, and increase treatment costs. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) suppress physiologic puberty, and when used in combination with GH can meaningfully increase height potential in males and females while rendering adolescents temporarily hypogonadal at a critical time in development. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) block androgen to estrogen conversion, slowing down growth plate fusion, while allowing normal virilization in males and stimulating longitudinal bone growth via androgen receptor effects on the growth plate. Here, we review the physiology of pubertal growth, estrogen and androgen action on the epiphyses, and the therapeutic impact of GH, alone and in combination with GnRHa and with AIs. The pharmacology of potent oral AIs, and pivotal work on their efficacy and safety in children is also reviewed. Time-limited use of AIs is a viable alternative to promote growth in pubertal males, particularly combined with GH. Use of targeted growth-promoting therapies in adolescence must consider the impact of sex steroids on growth plate fusion, and treatment should be individualized.

A pictorial review of the radiographic skeletal findings in Morquio syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type IV)

Morquio syndrome, also known as Morquio-Brailsford syndrome or mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS IV), is a subgroup of mucopolysaccharidosis. It is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. Two subtypes of Morquio syndrome have been identified. In MPS IVA, a deficiency in N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase interrupts the normal metabolic pathway of degrading glycosaminoglycans. Accumulated undigested glycosaminoglycans in the tissue and bones result in complications leading to severe skeletal deformity. In MPS IVB, a deficiency in beta-galactosidase results in a milder phenotype than in MPS IVA. Morquio syndrome presents a variety of clinical manifestations in a spectrum of mild to severe. It classically has been considered a skeletal dysplasia with significant skeletal involvement. However, the extraskeletal features can also provide valuable information to guide further work-up to assess the possibility of the disorder. Although the disease involves almost all parts of the body, it most commonly affects the axial skeleton, specifically the vertebrae. The characteristic radiologic findings in MPS IV, such as paddle-shaped ribs, odontoid hypoplasia, vertebral deformity, metaphyseal and epiphyseal bone dysplasia, and steep acetabula, are encompassed in the term "dysostosis multiplex," which is a common feature among other types of MPS and storage disorders. Myelopathy due to spinal cord compression and respiratory airway obstruction are the most critical complications related to mortality and morbidity. The variety of clinical features, as well as overlapping of radiological findings with other disorders, make diagnosis challenging, and delays in diagnosis and treatment may lead to critical complications. Timely imaging and radiologic expertise are important components for diagnosis. Gene therapies may provide robust treatment, particularly if genetic variations can be screened in utero.

Chest radiograph prevalence of vertebral deformity among young and middle-aged population of mixed city dwellers and rural residents

Background

To interpret the importance of minimal and mild vertebral deformities (VDs) among elderly subjects, we need to know their prevalence among mostly non-osteoporotic subjects.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed VDs among 408 female and 374 male patients who had lateral chest radiographs due to mild illness or for routine healthcheck, all with indications other than spine disorders or metabolic disorders. The study subjects were divided into four age groups, i.e., ≤20, 20-34, 35-44, and ≥45 years. For those aged >20 years, 27.2% females had family roots from farming communities, and 26.4% males had the history of being a farmer or physical laborer (this was 36.1% for males aged ≥45 years). Fracture shaped vertebral deformities (FSVDs) were VDs radiographically indistinguishable from vertebral fracture. Acquired short vertebrae were those with decreased vertebral anterior and middle heights, while without anterior wedging or bi-concave changes, and the diagnosis required at least two adjacent short vertebrae in the same subject.

Results

Congenital VDs were observed in four cases (three males, one female). In the age group of ≤20, 20-34, 35-44, and ≥45 years, females had any FSVD prevalence of 13.4%, 8.3%, 11.8%, 25.8% respectively, while the prevalence was 29.3%, 26%, 34.3%, 44.8% respectively for males. From the female ≤20 years group to the 21-34 years group, cases involved multiple vertebrae decreased from 53.8% to 16.7%. For cases ≤34 years, no female case had ≥ mild FSVD (which was defined to have ≥20% vertebral height loss), while five male cases had ≥ mild FSVD. For the 35-44 years group, vertebral endplate depression was noted among 2.0% of the females and 2.9% of the males. Among the cases aged ≤44 years, there was only one male and one female had acquired short vertebrae. For the male cases, acquired short vertebrae prevalence was 15.6% in the group of ≥45 years.

Conclusions

FSVD is common among young and middle-aged population (≤44 years) assumed with normal bone strength, and with a higher FSVD prevalence among men. FSVD may heal among younger subjects, and physical labor may increase VD prevalence.

The cervical spine in paediatric radiology

Accurate radiological assessment of the cervical spine is vital in the management of the child presenting with trauma. Compared to an adult's spine, the significant differences in the developmental anatomy (variants or synchondrosis), biomechanics and fracture patterns in the paediatric cervical spine makes assessment difficult, even for experienced radiologists. This review discusses the unique biomechanical factors, developmental anatomy, patterns of injury and imaging strategy in the paediatric population.

Sickle cell bone disease and response to intravenous bisphosphonates in children

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have the potential for extensive and early-onset bone morbidity. This study reports on the diversity of bone morbidity seen in children with SCD followed at three tertiary centers. IV bisphosphonates were effective for bone pain analgesia and did not trigger sickle cell complications.

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate bone morbidity and the response to intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate therapy in children with SCD.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patient records from 2003 to 2019 at three Canadian pediatric tertiary care centers. Radiographs, magnetic resonance images, and computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of avascular necrosis (AVN), bone infarcts, and myositis. IV bisphosphonates were offered for bone pain management. Bone mineral density was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

Forty-six children (20 girls, 43%) had bone morbidity at a mean age of 11.8 years (SD 3.9) including AVN of the femoral (17/46, 37%) and humeral (8/46, 17%) heads, H-shaped vertebral body deformities due to endplate infarcts (35/46, 76%), and non-vertebral body skeletal infarcts (15/46, 32%). Five children (5/26, 19%) had myositis overlying areas of AVN or bone infarcts visualized on magnetic resonance imaging. Twenty-three children (8/23 girls) received IV bisphosphonate therapy. They all reported significant or complete resolution of bone pain. There were no reports of sickle cell hemolytic crises, pain crises, or stroke attributed to IV bisphosphonate therapy.

CONCLUSION

Children with SCD have the potential for extensive and early-onset bone morbidity. In this series, IV bisphosphonates were effective for bone pain analgesia and did not trigger sickle cell complications.

Pearls and Pitfalls of Thoracic Manifestations of Abuse in Children

Child abuse is a broad term that includes, but is not limited to, physical or emotional harm, neglect, sexual abuse, and exploitation. In 2018 in the United States, there were nearly 700,000 victims of such maltreatment, of which 1700 children died. The majority of deaths occur in infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. While clinical signs and symptoms may raise suspicion for inflicted injury, such as bruising in young infants, imaging often plays a central role in identifying and characterizing nonaccidental trauma. The purpose of this article is to discuss the array of inflicted traumatic injuries to the thorax in children. Rib fractures are among the most common and telling features of physical abuse, especially in infants. The locations of such fractures and differences in appearance while healing will be presented, along with potential mimics and pitfalls. Less typical fractures seen in abuse will also be reviewed, including those of the sternum, clavicle, spine, and scapula. Finally, uncommon injuries to the lungs, heart and esophagus will also be considered.

Chondrosarcoma of the spine: a narrative review

Chondrosarcoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor with an estimated incidence of 0.5 per 100,000 patient-years. Primary chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine and sacrum cumulatively account for less than 20% of all cases, most .commonly causing patients to present with focal pain with or without radiculopathy, or myelopathy secondary to neural element compression. Because of the rarity, patients benefit from multidisciplinary care at academic tertiary-care centers. Current standard-of-care consists of en bloc surgical resection with negative margins; for high grade lesions adjuvant focused radiation with ≥60 gray equivalents is taking an increased role in improving local control. Prognosis is dictated by lesion grade at the time of resection. Several groups have put forth survival calculators and epidemiological evidence suggests prognosis is quite good for lesions receiving R0 resection. Future efforts will be focused on identifying potential chemotherapeutic adjuvants and refining radiation treatments as a means of improving local control.

The Accuracy of Incident Vertebral Fracture Detection in Children Using Targeted Case-Finding Approaches

Vertebral fractures are clinically important sequelae of a wide array of pediatric diseases. In this study, we examined the accuracy of case-finding strategies for detecting incident vertebral fractures (IVF) over 2 years in glucocorticoid-treated children (n = 343) with leukemia, rheumatic disorders, or nephrotic syndrome. Two clinical situations were addressed: the prevalent vertebral fracture (PVF) scenario (when baseline PVF status was known), which assessed the utility of PVF and low lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS BMD; Z-score <-1.4), and the non-PVF scenario (when PVF status was unknown), which evaluated low LS BMD and back pain. LS BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, vertebral fractures were quantified on spine radiographs using the modified Genant semiquantitative method, and back pain was assessed by patient report. Forty-four patients (12.8%) had IVF. In the PVF scenario, both low LS BMD and PVF were significant predictors of IVF. Using PVF to determine which patients should have radiographs, 11% would undergo radiography (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-15) with 46% of IVF (95% CI 30-61) detected. Sensitivity would be higher with a strategy of PVF or low LS BMD at baseline (73%; 95% CI 57-85) but would require radiographs in 37% of children (95% CI 32-42). In the non-PVF scenario, the strategy of low LS BMD and back pain produced the highest specificity of any non-PVF model at 87% (95% CI 83-91), the greatest overall accuracy at 82% (95% CI 78-86), and the lowest radiography rate at 17% (95% CI 14-22). Low LS BMD or back pain in the non-PVF scenario produced the highest sensitivity at 82% (95% CI 67-92), but required radiographs in 65% (95% CI 60-70). These results provide guidance for targeting spine radiography in children at risk for IVF. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Part I: Which Child with a Chronic Disease Needs Bone Health Monitoring?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Underlying conditions which adversely affect skeletal strength are one of the most common reasons for consultations in pediatric bone health clinics. The diseases most frequently linked to fragility fractures include leukemia and other cancers, inflammatory disorders, neuromuscular disease, and those treated with osteotoxic drugs (particularly glucocorticoids). The decision to treat a child with secondary osteoporosis is challenged by the fact that fractures are frequent in childhood, even in the absence of risk factors. Furthermore, some children have the potential for medication-unassisted recovery from osteoporosis, obviating the need for bisphosphonate therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last decade, there have been important advances in our understanding of the skeletal phenotypes, fracture frequencies, and risk factors for bone fragility in children with underlying disorders. With improved knowledge about the importance of fracture characteristics in at-risk children, there has been a shift away from a bone mineral density (BMD)-centric definition of osteoporosis in childhood, to a fracture-focused approach. As a result, attention is now drawn to the early identification of fragility fractures, which includes asymptomatic vertebral collapse. Furthermore, even a single, long bone fracture can represent a major osteoporotic event in an at-risk child. Fundamental biological principles of bone strength development, and the ways in which these go awry in chronic illnesses, form the basis for monitoring and diagnosis of osteoporosis in children with underlying conditions. Overall, the goal of monitoring is to identify early, rather than late, signs of osteoporosis in children with limited potential to undergo medication-unassisted recovery. These are the children who should undergo bisphosphonate therapy, as discussed in part 1 (monitoring and diagnosis) and part 2 (recovery and the decision to treat) of this review.

Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) for monitoring vertebral reshaping in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta treated with intravenous neridronate

PURPOSE

The study was aimed at monitoring vertebral bodies changes with the use of Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) in children and adolescents affected by osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) during treatment with intravenous neridronate.

METHODS

60 children and adolescents (35 males and 25 females; age 1-16 years) with OI type I, III and IV were included in the study. Intravenous neridronate was administered at the dose of 2 mg/kg every 3 months in all patients. Lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) and VFA by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were assessed every 6 months up to 24 months during treatment. VFA with vertebral morphometry (MXA) was used to calculate the three indices of vertebral deformity: wedging, concavity and crushing. Serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D], total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and urinary C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx) were measured at any time point.

RESULTS

Mean LS BMD values significantly increased at 24 months compared to baseline (p < 0.0001); the corresponding Z-score values were -1.28 ± 1.23 at 24 months vs -2.46 ± 1.25 at baseline; corresponding mean Bone Mineral Apparent Density (BMAD) values were 0.335 ± 0.206 vs 0.464 ± 0.216. Mean serum levels of ALP, BALP and CTx significantly decreased from baseline to 24 months. By MXA, we observed a significant 19.1% reduction of the mean wedging index of vertebral reshaping at 12 months, and 38.4% at 24 months (p < 0.0001) and of the mean concavity index (16.3% at 12 months and 35.9% at 24 months; p < 0.0001). Vertebral reshaping was achieved for 66/88 (75%) wedge fractures and 59/70 (84%) concave fractures, but there were 4 incident mild fractures. Finally, VF rate was reduced at 24 months compared to baseline: 37/710 (5.2%) vs 158/710 (22.2%).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the utility of VFA as a safe and alternative methodology in the follow-up of children and adolescents with OI.

Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: Why Kids Are Different

Glucocorticoids (GC) are an important risk factor for bone fragility in children with serious illnesses, largely due to their direct adverse effects on skeletal metabolism. To better appreciate the natural history of fractures in this setting, over a decade ago the Canadian STeroid-associated Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population ("STOPP") Consortium launched a 6 year, multi-center observational cohort study in GC-treated children. This study unveiled numerous key clinical-biological principles about GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO), many of which are unique to the growing skeleton. This was important, because most GIO recommendations to date have been guided by adult studies, and therefore do not acknowledge the pediatric-specific principles that inform monitoring, diagnosis and treatment strategies in the young. Some of the most informative observations from the STOPP study were that vertebral fractures are the hallmark of pediatric GIO, they occur early in the GC treatment course, and they are frequently asymptomatic (thereby undetected in the absence of routine monitoring). At the same time, some children have the unique, growth-mediated ability to restore normal vertebral body dimensions following vertebral fractures. This is an important index of recovery, since spontaneous vertebral body reshaping may preclude the need for osteoporosis therapy. Furthermore, we now better understand that children with poor growth, older children with less residual growth potential, and children with ongoing bone health threats have less potential for vertebral body reshaping following spine fractures, which can result in permanent vertebral deformity if treatment is not initiated in a timely fashion. Therefore, pediatric GIO management is now predicated upon early identification of vertebral fractures in those at risk, and timely intervention when there is limited potential for spontaneous recovery. A single, low-trauma long bone fracture can also signal an osteoporotic event, and a need for treatment. Intravenous bisphosphonates are currently the recommended therapy for pediatric GC-induced bone fragility, typically prescribed to children with limited potential for medication-unassisted recovery. It is recognized, however, that even early identification of bone fragility, combined with timely introduction of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy, may not completely rescue the osteoporosis in those with the most aggressive forms, opening the door to novel strategies.

Bone Health in Childhood Chronic Disease

Many children with chronic disease are now surviving into adulthood. As a result, there is a growing interest in optimizing bone health early in the disease course with the dual goals of improving quality of life during childhood and reducing life-long fracture risk. Risk factors for impaired bone health in these children include immobility, nutritional deficiency, exposure to bone toxic therapies, hormonal deficiencies affecting growth and pubertal development, and chronic inflammation. This review focuses on the chronic diseases of childhood most commonly associated with impaired bone health. Recent research findings and clinical practice recommendations, when available, for specific disorders are summarized.

Advances in the Bone Health Assessment of Children

The last 2 decades have seen tremendous growth in understanding the clinical characteristics of various childhood bone disorders, their mechanisms and natural histories, and their responses to treatment. In this review, the authors describe advances in bone assessment techniques for children. In addition, they provide their skeletal site-specific applications, underscore the principles that are relevant to the biology of the growing child, show how these methods assist in the diagnosis and management of pediatric bone diseases, and highlight how these techniques have shed light on bone development and underlying disease mechanisms.

Bone density in children: what are we measuring?

The measurement of bone density is a frequent request in the assessment of children with concerns about bone health due to chronic disease or recurrent fractures. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the recommended modality and is widely available. However, the interpretation and reporting of results in growing individuals needs to be undertaken by individuals who are familiar with scanning children and the potential pitfalls.

Pitfalls in Pediatric Trauma and Microtrauma

Fractures are common in children, although accurate diagnosis is confounded by mimics of fractures some of which are unique to the pediatric population. Such fracture mimics include developmental variations of the growth plates, normal anatomic structures that simulate fracture lines, and/or metabolic disorders that alter the pattern of ossification. Although subtle clues on plain radiographs may help to discriminate between a true fracture or injury and a fracture mimic, MR imaging may be helpful to eliminate uncertainty or expedite diagnosis.

The Utility of DXA Assessment at the Forearm, Proximal Femur, and Lateral Distal Femur, and Vertebral Fracture Assessment in the Pediatric Population: 2019 ISCD Official Position

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is widely used in the evaluation of bone fragility in children. Previous recommendations emphasized total body less head and lumbar spine DXA scans for clinical bone health assessment. However, these scan sites may not be possible or optimal for all groups of children with conditions that threaten bone health. The utility of DXA scans of the proximal femur, forearm, and radius were evaluated for adequacy of reference data, precision, ability of predict fracture, and applicability to all, or select groups of children. In addition, the strengths and limitations of vertebral fracture assessment by DXA were evaluated. The new Pediatric Positions provide guidelines on the use of these additional measures in the assessment of skeletal health in children.

Use of an aromatase inhibitor in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Impact of anastrozole on bone mineral density and visceral adipose tissue

OBJECTIVE

Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been used off-label in males with short stature to delay bone maturation. No studies have examined anastrozole's effect on bone mineral density (BMD) or body composition in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Our objective was to evaluate anastrozole's effect on BMD and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in children with CAH.

DESIGN

Total body BMD (TBMD) and L2-L4 BMD Z-scores were adjusted for height-for-age Z-scores (TBMD_HAZ and L2-L4_HAZ ). Hydrocortisone doses (mg/m² /d) were averaged over the previous year. Comparison of treated vs not treated with anastrozole used linear regression adjusting for age, pubertal status, sex, CAH type, years on hydrocortisone, BMI Z-scores and bone age Z-scores.

PATIENTS

We compared 25 children with CAH treated with anastrozole (mean age 11.3 [SD 3.0] years, 56% males) vs 31 children with CAH not treated with anastrozole (13.5 [SD 4.6], 29%). Participants underwent a pubertal exam, bone age X-ray and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan.

RESULTS

Average bone age Z-score of 4.3 SDs on beginning anastrozole decreased to 1.9 SDs at time of DXA exam (P = 0.0004) 5.2 (SD 2.2) years later. TBMD Z-scores (P = 0.51), L2-L4 BMD Z-scores (P = 0.66), VAT (P = 0.38), TBMD_HAZ Z-scores (P = 0.66) and L2-L4_HAZ Z-scores (P = 0.41) did not differ between children treated vs not treated with anastrozole.

CONCLUSION

Anastrozole significantly reduced bone age advancement in children with CAH and advanced bone age (>2SDs) without adverse effects on BMD or VAT. Longitudinal studies of anastrozole in children with CAH are needed to validate these findings.

Are semi-automated software program designed for adults accurate for the identification of vertebral fractures in children?

Objectives

To assess whether diagnostic accuracy of morphometric vertebral fracture (VF) diagnosis in children can be improved using AVERT™ (a 33-point semi-automated program developed for VF diagnosis in adults) compared with SpineAnalyzer™ (a 6-point program), which has previously been shown to be of insufficient accuracy.

Materials and methods

Lateral spine radiographs (XR) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of 50 children and young people were analysed by two observers using two different programs (AVERT™ and SpineAnalyzer™). Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, false-negative (FN) and false-positive rates (FP)) was calculated by comparing with a previously established consensus arrived at by three experienced paediatric musculoskeletal radiologists, using a simplified algorithm-based qualitative scoring system. Observer agreement was calculated using Cohen’s kappa.

Results

For XR, overall sensitivity, specificity, FP and FN rates using AVERT™ were 36%, 95%, 5% and 64% respectively and 26%, 98%, 2% and 75% respectively, using SpineAnalyzer™. For DXA, overall sensitivity, specificity, FP and FN rates using AVERT™ were 41%, 91%, 9% and 59% respectively and 31%, 96%, 4% and 69% respectively, using SpineAnalyzer. Reliability (kappa) ranged from 0.34 to 0.37 (95%CI, 0.26–0.46) for AVERT™ and from 0.26 to 0.31 (95%CI, 0.16–0.44) for SpineAnalyzer™. Inter- and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.41 to 0.47 for AVERT™ and from 0.50 to 0.79 for SpineAnalyzer™.

Conclusion

AVERT™ has slightly higher accuracy but lower observer reliability for the representation of vertebral morphometry in children when compared with SpineAnalyzer™. However, neither software program is satisfactorily reliable for VF diagnosis in children.

Key Points

• SpineAnalyzer™ and AVERT™ have low diagnostic accuracy and observer agreement when compared to three paediatric radiologists’ readings for the diagnosis of vertebral fractures (VF) in children.

• Neither AVERT™ nor SpineAnalyzer™ is satisfactorily reliable for VF diagnosis in children.

• Development of specific paediatric software and normative values (incorporating age-related physiological variation in children) is required.

Late vertebral side effects in long-term survivors of irradiated childhood brain tumor

Purpose

Long-term side effects of the treatments are common in survivors of irradiated pediatric brain tumors. Ionizing radiation in combination with surgery and chemotherapy during childhood may reduce vertebral height and bone mineral density (BMD), and cause growth failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the late consequences of tumor treatments on vertebrae in survivors of childhood brain tumors.

Methods

72 adult survivors (mean age 27.8 years, standard deviation 6.7) of irradiated childhood brain tumor were studied by spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for vertebral abnormalities from the national cohort of Finland. Patients were treated in five university hospitals in Finland between the years 1970 and 2008. Subject height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The morphology and height/depth ratio of the vertebrae in the middle of the kyphotic thoracic curvature (Th8) and lumbar lordosis (L3) were examined. Vertebrae were analyzed by Genant’s semiquantative (SQ) method and spinal deformity index (SDI) was calculated. BMD was measured by using dual X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

4.2% (3/72) of the patients had undiagnosed asymptomatic vertebral fracture and 5.6% (4/72) of patients had radiation-induced decreased vertebral body height. Male patients had flatter vertebrae compared with females. Patient age at the time of irradiation, BMI and irradiation area correlated to vertebral morphology differentially in males and females. BMD had no association with the vertebral shape. Patients who had received craniospinal irradiation were shorter than the general population.

Conclusion

Childhood brain tumor survivors had a high number of vertebral abnormalities in young adulthood. Irradiation was associated with abnormal vertebral morphology and compromised final height. Male gender may predispose vertebrae to the side effects of irradiation.

Bone Health and Osteoporosis Management of the Patient With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is associated with an increased risk of bone fragility due to the adverse effects of prolonged glucocorticoid therapy and progressive muscle weakness on bone strength. Osteoporosis manifests clinically as low-trauma long-bone and vertebral fractures (VFs), with VFs frequent, particularly in those treated with glucocorticoid therapy. It is increasingly recognized that bone pain, medical complications of osteoporosis (such as fat embolism syndrome), and the potential for permanent, fracture-induced loss of ambulation can be mitigated with timely bone health surveillance and management. This includes periodic spine radiographs for VF detection because VFs can be asymptomatic in their early phases and thereby go undetected in the absence of monitoring. With this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the following 4 phases of bone health management: (1) bone health monitoring, which is used to identify early signs of compromised bone health; (2) osteoporosis stabilization, which is aimed to mitigate back pain and interrupt the fracture-refracture cycle through bone-targeted therapy; (3) bone health maintenance, which has the goal to preserve the clinical gains realized during the stabilization phase through ongoing bone-targeted therapy; and (4) osteoporosis therapy discontinuation, which places those who are eligible for discontinuation of osteoporosis treatment back on a health monitoring program. In the course of reviewing these 4 phases of management, we will discuss the criteria for diagnosing osteoporosis, along with detailed recommendations for osteoporosis intervention including specific drugs, dose, length of therapy, contraindications, and monitoring of treatment efficacy and safety.

Lumbar spine bone mineral density Z-score discrepancies by dual X-ray absorptiometry do not predict vertebral fractures in children

Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the most common mode of bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation. In adults, presence of a lumbar spine (LS) BMD T-score discrepancy (>1 SD difference between adjacent vertebrae) can indicate a vertebral fracture. In children, however, the clinical significance of such discrepancies is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the association between LS DXA and LS morphology to elucidate the clinical significance of an LS BMD Z-score discrepancy. We identified 360 DXA scans performed between September 2014 and May 2016 in patients 5-18 years of age. DXA scans were cross-referenced against available LS radiographs and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) within the 6 months preceding or following a DXA scan. After excluding 44 DXA scans because of spinal hardware, incomplete DXA, or repeat scans, 316 DXA scans were included; 81 (25.6%) had either an LS radiograph or a VFA. Twenty-five of 81 patients (30.9%) had >1 SD difference between adjacent vertebrae in LS BMD Z-score. Two of these 25 patients (8%) had a lumbar vertebral fracture documented by a spine radiograph. Of the remaining 56 patients who did not have a discrepancy >1 SD, 6 patients (11%) had a lumbar vertebral fracture. Discrepancies in LS BMD Z-scores were not associated with lumbar vertebral fractures and, in the absence of fractures, likely represented vertebral developmental variants in children whose skeletons are still growing. Therefore, it does not appear justified to recommend further imaging based solely on the results of a DXA scan without clinically meaningful indications.

Identifying osteoporotic vertebral endplate and cortex fractures

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease, and vertebral fractures (VFs) are the most common osteoporotic fracture. A single atraumatic VF may lead to the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Prevalent VFs increase the risk of future vertebral and non-vertebral osteoporotic fracture independent of bone mineral density (BMD). The accurate and clear reporting of VF is essential to ensure patients with osteoporosis receive appropriate treatment. Radiologist has a vital role in the diagnosis of this disease. Several morphometrical and radiological methods for detecting osteoporotic VF have been proposed, but there is no consensus regarding the definition of osteoporotic VF. A vertebra may fracture yet not ever result in measurable changes in radiographic height or area. To overcome these difficulties, algorithm-based qualitative approach (ABQ) was developed with a focus on the identification of change in the vertebral endplate. Evidence of endplate fracture (rather than variation in vertebral shape) is the primary indicator of osteoporotic fracture according to ABQ criteria. Other changes that may mimic osteoporotic fractures should be systemically excluded. It is also possible that vertebral cortex fracture may not initially occur in endplate. Particularly, vertebral cortex fracture can occur in anterior vertebral cortex without gross vertebral deformity (VD), or fractures deform the anterior vertebral cortex without endplate disruption. This article aims to serve as a teaching material for physicians or researchers to identify vertebral endplate/cortex fracture (ECF). Emphasis is particularly dedicated to identifying ECF which may not be associated apparent vertebral body collapse. We believe a combined approach based on standardized radiologic evaluation by experts and morphometry measurement is the most appropriate approach to detect and classify VFs.

Osteoporosis in Children with Chronic Illnesses: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Osteoporosis is an under-recognized complication of chronic illness in childhood. This review will summarize recent literature addressing the risk factors, evaluation, and treatment for early bone fragility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Criteria for the diagnosis of pediatric osteoporosis include the presence of low trauma vertebral fractures alone or the combination of low bone mineral density and several long bone fractures. Monitoring for bone health may include screening for vertebral fractures that are common but often asymptomatic. Pharmacologic agents should be offered to those with fragility fractures especially when spontaneous recovery is unlikely. Controversies persist about the optimal bisphosphonate agent, dose, and duration. Newer osteoporosis drugs have not yet been adequately tested in pediatrics, though clinical trials are underway. The prevalence of osteoporosis is increased in children with chronic illness. To reduce the frequency of fragility fractures requires increased attention to risk factors, early intervention, and additional research to optimize therapy and potentially prevent their occurrence.

Skeletal Fragility in Children with Chronic Disease

Skeletal fragility associated with underlying childhood chronic disease is a systemic disorder of poor bone growth and reduction in bone turnover which can lead to abnormal bone mass, geometry and microarchitecture. Due to the growth potential unique to children, remarkable bone recovery following a transient threat to the bone can occur if there is concurrent growth. Addressing bone health in these children should focus on improvement in growth, puberty and removing the primary insult. In conditions where there is a little scope for bone recovery and limited residual growth, bone-targeted therapy may need to be considered, even though there is currently limited evidence. The importance of early detection of signs of bone fragility, by active screening for vertebral fracture using newer imaging techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lateral vertebral morphometry, may now be possible. There is currently, a paucity of evidence to support prophylactic use of anti-resorptive therapy. Where poor growth and low bone turnover are seen, the use of growth-promoting therapies and anabolic bone-protective agents may be more physiological and should be evaluated in well-designed trials. Collaborative studies on long-term fracture outcome and well-designed trials of bone-protective therapies are needed and to be encouraged.

Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures in Children with Suspected Osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the prevalence and anatomic distribution of vertebral fractures in disease groups investigated for primary and secondary osteoporosis, using vertebral fracture assessment (VFA).

STUDY DESIGN

VFA was performed independently by 2 nonradiologists, in 165 children (77 males, 88 females) as part of their investigation for osteoporosis. Vertebral bodies from T6 to L4 were assessed for vertebral fractures using the Genant scoring system. The common readings for the presence of vertebral fractures were used for evaluating the prevalence and anatomic distribution of vertebral fractures.

RESULTS

The median age of the subjects was 13.4 years (range, 3.6, 18). Of the 165 children, 24 (15%) were being investigated for primary bone disease, and the remainder had a range of chronic diseases known to affect bone health. Vertebral fractures were identified in 38 (23%) children. The distribution of the vertebral fractures was bimodal, with vertebral fractures peaks centered at T9 and L4. Conditions associated with increased odds for vertebral fractures were inflammatory bowel disease (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4, 8.0; P = .018) and osteogenesis imperfecta (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.04, 5.8; P = .022). Among children with vertebral fractures, those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (P = .015) and osteogenesis imperfecta (P = .023) demonstrated higher number of vertebral fractures than the other disease groups.

CONCLUSIONS

VFA identified the presence of vertebral fractures, in a bimodal distribution, in both primary bone disease and chronic disease groups. VFA is a practical screening tool for identification of vertebral fractures in children and adolescents at risk of fragility fractures.

Randomized Trial of Aromatase Inhibitors, Growth Hormone, or Combination in Pubertal Boys with Idiopathic, Short Stature

CONTEXT

Growth of short children in puberty is limited by the effect of estrogen on epiphyseal fusion.

OBJECTIVES

To compare: 1) the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) vs GH vs AI/GH on increasing adult height potential in pubertal boys with severe idiopathic short stature (ISS); and 2) differences in body composition among groups.

DESIGN

Randomized three-arm open-label comparator.

SETTING

Outpatient clinical research.

PATIENTS

Seventy-six pubertal boys [mean (SE) age, 14.1 (0.1) years] with ISS [height SD score (SDS), -2.3 (0.0)].

INTERVENTION

Daily AIs (anastrozole or letrozole), GH, or AI/GH for 24-36 months.

OUTCOMES

Anthropometry, bone ages, dual x-ray absorptiometry, spine x-rays, hormones, safety labs.

RESULTS

Height gain [mean (SE)] at 24 months was: AI, +14.0 (0.8) cm; GH, +17.1 (0.9) cm; AI/GH, +18.9 (0.8) cm (P < .0006, analysis of covariance). Height SDS was: AI, -1.73 (0.12); GH, -1.43 (0.14); AI/GH, -1.25 (0.12) (P < .0012). Those treated through 36 months grew more. Regardless of treatment duration, height SDS at near-final height [n = 71; age, 17.4 (0.2) years; bone age, 15.3 (0.1) years; height achieved, ∼97.6%] was: AI, -1.4 (0.1); GH, -1.4 (0.2); AI/GH, -1.0 (0.1) (P = .06). Absolute height change was: AI, +18.2 (1.6) cm; GH, +20.6 (1.5) cm; AI/GH, +22.5 (1.4) cm (P = .01) (expected height gain at -2.0 height SDS, +13.0 cm). AI/GH had higher fat free mass accrual. Measures of bone health, safety labs, and adverse events were similar in all groups. Letrozole caused higher T and lower estradiol than anastrozole.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with AI/GH increases height potential in pubertal boys with ISS more than GH and AI alone treated for 24-36 months with a strong safety profile.

Diagnosis of vertebral fractures in children: is a simplified algorithm-based qualitative technique reliable?

BACKGROUND

Identification of osteoporotic vertebral fractures allows treatment opportunity reducing future risk. There is no agreed standardised method for diagnosing paediatric vertebral fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the precision of a modified adult algorithm-based qualitative (ABQ) technique, applicable to children with primary or secondary osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three radiologists independently assessed lateral spine radiographs of 50 children with suspected reduction in bone mineral density using a modified ABQ scoring system and following simplification to include only clinically relevant parameters, a simplified ABQ score. A final consensus of all observers using simplified ABQ was performed as a reference standard for fracture characterisation. Kappa was calculated for interobserver agreement of the components of both scoring systems and intraobserver agreement of simplified ABQ based on a second read of 29 randomly selected images.

RESULTS

Interobserver Kappa for modified ABQ scoring for fracture detection, severity and shape ranged from 0.34 to 0.49 Kappa for abnormal endplate and position assessment was 0.27 to 0.38. Inter- and intraobserver Kappa for simplified ABQ scoring for fracture detection and grade ranged from 0.37 to 0.46 and 0.45 to 0.56, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver Kappa for affected endplate ranged from 0.31 to 0.41 and 0.45 to 0.51, respectively. Subjectively, observers' felt simplified ABQ was easier and less time-consuming.

CONCLUSION

Observer reliability of modified and simplified ABQ was similar, with slight to moderate agreement for fracture detection and grade/severity. Due to subjective preference for simplified ABQ, we suggest its use as a semi-objective measure of diagnosing paediatric vertebral fractures.