Radiographic evaluation of vertebral fractures in osteoporotic patients

Vertebral bone marrow edema in magnetic resonance imaging correlates with bone healing histomorphometry in (sub)acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture

BACKGROUND

BME on MRI has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute/subacute OVCF, but the correlation between the quantitative model of BME and histopathological manifestations of OVCF is rarely discussed in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the relationship between bone marrow edema (BME) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone healing histomorphometry in (sub)acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

METHODS

According to the period since fracture, 125 patients were divided into four stages: stage I (0 to 15 days), stage II (16 to 30 days), stage III (31 to 60 days) and stage IV (61 to 90 days). Bone marrow edema was evaluated by the signal changes and intensity patterns on MRI sagittal images. Decalcified biopsy specimens were obtained from the cancellous bone core in the fractured vertebral body. The histomorphometry study results were analyzed by light microscopy using grid analysis and defined using bone histomorphometry criteria.

RESULTS

There were 70 (56%) patients in stage I, 29 (23.2%) in stage II, 12 (9.6%) in stage III and 14 (11.2%) in stage IV. BME and histomorphometry characteristics differentiated from each other stage: The BME percentage had a significantly negative correlation with the ratio of osteoid volume/bone volume (r =  - 0.539, p = 0.001) and the ratio of woven bone volume/tissue volume (r =  - 0.584, p = 0.001). There was also a positive correlation between the BME percentage and the ratio of fibrous tissue volume/tissue volume (r = 0.488, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow edema significantly correlates with bone morphology parameters after vertebral fracture. The characteristics of histomorphological changes during fracture healing process can be preliminarily determined by observing the edema signal.

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

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.

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

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.

Prevalent osteoporotic vertebral fractures more likely involve the upper endplate than the lower endplate and even more so in males

Background

While the importance of identifying osteoporotic vertebral endplate fracture (EPF) is being recognized; the pathophysiological understanding of EPF till now remain insufficient. In this population-based cross-sectional radiograph study, we aim to investigate the anatomic location characteristics of osteoporotic EPF.

Methods

This study analyzed the anatomical location of osteoporotic EPFs in elderly Chinese population (age ≥65 years). The T4-L4 radiographs of 1,954 elderly Chinese men (mean: 72.3 years) and 1,953 elderly Chinese women (mean: 72.5 years) were evaluated to identify EPF, and vertebral bodies were graded according to Genant's vertebral deformity criteria.

Results

Of the 101,582 endplates analyzed, there were 505 EPFs (males: 27.7%; females: 72.3%). Excluding those with both upper endplate and lower endplate involvements, the ratio of upper EPF to lower EPF was 9.63 for males and 4.3 for females (P<0.05). Thoracolumbar junction, particularly L1 (26.4% for males and 24.1% for females) and followed by T12 (20.7% for males and 19.7% for females), had highest prevalence of EPF. With an endplate divided into 5 segments of equal length in the anteroposterior direction and grade 0.5 & 1, grade 2 vertebral deformities analyzed, fractures occurred mostly at the middle segment (70.1% for upper endplates in males and 78.6% for upper endplates in females), followed by second anterior segment (20.9% for upper endplates in males and 14.4% for upper endplates in females). The most anterior and most posterior segments were not primarily involved in EPF.

Conclusions

Osteoporotic EPFs more likely involve the upper endplate rather than lower endplate, with a trend for this effect to be greater in men than in women. These characteristics may help radiographic differential diagnosis for osteoporotic EPF.

Osteoporotic vertebral endplate and cortex fractures: A pictorial review

Despite years' research, the radiographic criteria for osteoporotic vertebral fracture and its grading remain debated. The importance of identifying vertebral endplate/cortex fracture (ECF) is being recognised; however, evaluation of osteoporotic ECF requires training and experience. This article aims to serve as a teaching material for radiologists/physicians or researchers to evaluate osteoporotic ECF. Emphasis is particularly dedicated to identifying ECF that may not be associated with apparent vertebral body collapse. We suggest a combined approach based on standardised radiologic evaluation by experts and morphometry measurement is the most appropriate approach to detect and classify osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

The translational potential

A good understanding of radiologic anatomy of vertebrae and fracture signs of endplate/cortex are essential for spine fragility fracture assessment.

Characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised patients with vertebral fragility fractures: a systematic review

Background

the complex management for patients presenting to hospital with vertebral fragility fractures provides justification for the development of specific services for them. A systematic review was undertaken to determine the incidence of hospital admission, patient characteristics and health outcomes of vertebral fragility fracture patients to inform the development of such a service.

Methods

non-randomised studies of vertebral fragility fracture in hospital were included. Searches were conducted using electronic databases and citation searching of the included papers.

Results

a total of 19 studies were included. The incidence of hospital admission varied from 2.8 to 19.3 per 10,000/year. The average patient age was 81 years, the majority having presented with a fall. A diagnosis of osteoporosis or previous fragility fracture was reported in around one-third of patients. Most patients (75% men and 78% women) had five or more co-pathologies. Most patients were managed non-operatively with a median hospital length of stay of 10 days. One-third of patients were started on osteoporosis treatment. Inpatient and 1-year mortality was between 0.9 and 3.5%, and 20 and 27%, respectively, between 34 and 50% were discharged from hospital to a care facility. Many patients were more dependent with activities of daily living on discharge compared to their pre-admission level. Older age and increasing comorbidities was associated with longer hospital stay and higher mortality.

Conclusion

these findings indicate that specific hospital services for patients with vertebral fragility fractures should take into consideration local hospitalisation rates for the condition, and should be multifaceted-providing access to diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and rehabilitation interventions.

Risk factors of adjacent vertebral collapse after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Recently percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was frequently performed for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs). It is widely accepted that new compression fractures tend to occur adjacent to the vertebral bodies, typically within a month after PVP. To determine the risk factors among several potential predictors for de novo VFs following PVP in patients with osteoporosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively screened the clinical results of 88 patients who had been treated by PVP. Fifteen cases were excluded due to non-union. Of the remaining 73 patients, 19 (26.0%) later returned with pain due to a new vertebral compression fracture. One patient with a non-adjacent fracture and 2 patients with adjacent factures occurring 3 months later were excluded from the study. The 9 male patients were excluded to avoid gender bias. Ultimately, we divided the 61 remaining postmenopausal female patients (mean age: 78.9 years) into the collapse group (14 patients) who had experienced adjacent vertebral collapse after PVP and the non-collapse group (47 patients) who had not. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for new VFs after PVP.

RESULTS

All 14 cases of adjacent VF occurred within the first month after surgery. The collapse group had significantly advanced age, higher urinary N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen, and lower lumbar and hip bone mineral density (BMD) scores as compared with the non-collapse group. The odds ratios for age, lumbar, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanteric BMD were 4.5, 8.2, 4.5, 7.2, and 9.6, respectively. Positive likelihood ratios suggested that age more than 85 years, lumbar BMD less than 0.700 [-2.6SD], total hip BMD less than 0.700 [-1.8SD], neck BMD less than 0.600 [-2.1], and trochanter BMD less than 0.600 conferred an elevated risk of adjacent VF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that advanced age and decreased lumbar and hip BMD scores most strongly indicated a risk of adjacent VF following PVP.

The Pathophysiology of Primary Hip Osteoarthritis may Originate from Bone Alterations

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone alterations detected by hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were associated with subsequent primary hip OA.

Methods:

We enrolled 7 patients with hip joint pain from their first visit, at which hip joints were classified as grade 0 or I on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on all cases, and pain was assessed with the Denis pain scale. Average age, height, weight, body mass index, bone mineral density (L1-4), central edge angle, Sharp’s angle, and acetabular hip index were calculated.

Results:

Within two months of the onset of pain, 4 of the 7 cases showed broad bone signal changes, while 3 cases showed local signal changes in the proximal femur on hip MRI. Three to 6 months after the onset of pain, in all patients whose pain was much improved, plain radiographs showed progression to further-stage OA.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that bone abnormalities in the proximal femur might be involved in the pathogenesis of primary hip OA.

Considerations on evolution and healing of vertebral fractures

Only little is known when talking about the evolution of a vertebral fracture. From the few studies available in the literature, we can deduce that the risk a vertebral compression fracture has to worsen its deformity is consistent. It is important to try to make a prognosis on how the fracture is going to heal based on the type of fracture encountered. A chapter of its own is the occurrence of a vertebral fracture non-union that is difficult to diagnose and treat, but comes along with a poor prognosis.

Joint pain undergoes a transition in accordance with signal changes of bones detected by MRI in hip osteoarthritis

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether joint pain is derived from cartilage or bone alterations.

Methods:

We reviewed 23 hip joints of 21 patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA), which were classified into Kellgren–Laurence (KL) grading I to IV. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained from all of the 23 joints. Two of the 21 patients had bilateral hip OA. Pain was assessed based on the pain scale of Denis. A Welch t test was performed for age, height, weight, body mass index, bone mineral density, and a Mann–Whitney U test was performed for KL grading.

Results:

Four of 8 hip joints with pain and OA showed broad signal changes detected by MRI. Fourteen hip joints without pain, but with OA did not show broad signal changes by MRI. Collectively, MRI analyses showed that broad signal changes in OA cases without joint pain or with a slight degree of joint pain were not observed, while broad signal changes were observed in OA cases with deteriorated joint pain.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that hip joint pain might be associated with bone signal alterations in the hips of OA patients.

Significance of preoperative MRI in establishing levels of augmentation for percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objectives

To determine whether X-ray, computed tomography (CT), bone scan, and clinical impression accurately reflect the level of vertebral fracture in patients about to undergo vertebroplasty.

Design

Retrospective observational study, utilizing patient inpatient notes, referral correspondence, and clinicians’ private notes.

Setting

Single center – all patients referred to one pain medicine physician for vertebroplasty who subsequently had the procedure.

Participants

All patients referred to a pain physician (PJG) over a 4-year period, who had a presumptive diagnosis of vertebral fracture(s) from the referring consultant physician, based on imaging other than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical impression. Participants then had an MRI and subsequent vertebroplasty under the care of the pain physician. Participants were identified retrospectively from the vertebroplasty procedure list.

Intervention

Nil.

Main outcome measure

Number of cases in which the MRI identified a different level of pathology than X-ray, CT, bone scan, and clinical impression.

Results

In 50% (28/56) of patients MRI identified a fracture at a different level to that which was presumed to be the cause of patient pain on the basis of X-ray, CT, and clinical impression.

Conclusion

MRI is an essential investigation to determine accurately the level of fracture in osteoporotic patients. Studies on the effectiveness of treatment of vertebral fractures that do not utilize MRI in every case are unlikely to be accurate.

Comparison in bone turnover markers during early healing of femoral neck fracture and trochanteric fracture in elderly patients

Healing of fractures is different for each bone and bone turnover markers may reflect the fracture healing process. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristic changes in bone turnover markers during the fracture healing process. The subjects were consecutive patients with femoral neck or trochanteric fracture who underwent surgery and achieved bone union. There were a total of 39 patients, including 33 women and 6 men. There were 18 patients (16 women and 2 men) with femoral neck fracture and 21 patients (17 women and 4 men) with trochanteric fracture. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was measured as a bone formation marker. Urine and serum levels of N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), as well as urine levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), were measured as markers of bone resorption. All bone turnover markers showed similar changes in patients with either type of fracture, but significantly higher levels of both bone formation and resorption markers were observed in trochanteric fracture patients than in neck fracture patients. BAP showed similar levels at one week after surgery and then increased. Bone resorption markers were increased after surgery in patients with either fracture. The markers reached their peak values at three weeks (BAP and urinary NTX), five weeks (serum NTX and DPD), and 2–3 weeks (CTX) after surgery. The increase in bone turnover markers after hip fracture surgery and the subsequent decrease may reflect increased bone formation and remodeling during the healing process. Both fractures had a similar bone turnover marker profile, but the extent of the changes differed between femoral neck and trochanteric fractures.

Minimally invasive decompression with posterior column reinforcement for the treatment of symptomatic osteoporotic fracture with spinal stenosis in lumbar vertebrae

An osteoporotic fracture (OF) in the second to fifth lumbar vertebrae with spinal stenosis may be an indication for surgical treatment, but carries the risks of instability or instrumentation failure. Modified surgical procedures have been developed to manage patients with challenging OF. We retrospectively studied 12 patients (three male, nine female; mean age±standard deviation=73.5±7.2 years) who underwent minimally invasive decompression and posterior column reinforcement with polymethylmethacrylate. During a mean follow-up period of 24.8±3.1 months, pain severity and functional impairment were both significantly reduced, as measured by the visual analog scale and the Oswestry disability index. Nine patients (75%) experienced a satisfactory outcome while the other three (25%) were unchanged. Plain radiographs showed stable spinal alignment and immobilization of flexion-extension within the PMMA construct. Five complications were managed successfully, including one by revision surgery. These procedures are a feasible surgical option in the elderly population studied.

Early changes in bone specific turnover markers during the healing process after vertebral fracture

BACKGROUND

The present study measured longitudinal changes in bone turnover markers in elderly patients with vertebral fracture and investigated the relationship among bone turnover markers, duration of bed rest and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

Criteria for patient selection were 50 years in age and older, and presence of VF. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was measured as a marker of bone formation. Urinary crosslinked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) was measured as a marker of bone resorption. In principle, samples were collected just after injury, within 24 h, and 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after. We also measured duration of bed rest and BMD.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 42 cases. The average BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was 0.670 ± 0.174 g/cm2. Bed rest period was 17.9 ± 8.8 days. BAP showed significantly higher values at 2 and 3 weeks compared with the baseline value. Thereafter, BAP progressively decreased until 8 weeks. Urinary NTX was increased soon after the onset of pain with the same patterns in BAP. Urinary NTX values reached a peak at 3 weeks, and then they kept significantly higher values until 8 weeks. The peak value of serum BAP was affected by the duration of bed rest, although that of the urinary NTX was not. The peak values of serum BAP and urinary NTX showed negative correlations with the initial BMD values.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone turnover markers remained higher at 8 weeks, even patients symptom was healed after VF. Bone turnover markers were affected on physical activity and BMD.

Anti-nociceptive effects of elcatonin injection for postmenopausal women with back pain: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Eel calcitonin (elcatonin) injection is widely used for elderly patients suffering from somatic pain in Japan. However, there have been few reports on the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection in postmenopausal women with lower back pain.

METHODS

This study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-six women aged >/=50 years with acute lower back pain participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two treatment groups according to whether they received a placebo or a weekly trigger point injection of elcatonin (20 units). They were observed for 5 weeks and the extent of pain at motion and at rest according to the visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated. The mean VAS scores for the elcatonin group were then compared with those of the placebo group.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the mean VAS scores for pain at rest between the two groups during the 5-week treatment course. However, the mean VAS scores for motion pain in the elcatonin group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group at the third, fifth and sixth weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Elcatonin injection (20 units) significantly relieved motion pain in the lower back in postmenopausal women after three weeks of treatment. This analgesic effect continued for the subsequent 3 weeks.