Correlation of low-energy vertebral fracture, clinical risk factors and bone densitometry in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Aim: To analyze prevalent vertebral fractures (VF), clinical risk factors and dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry (DXA) results in postmenopausal women. Material and method: In a cross-sectional study we included 120 postmenopausal women (61 with VF, 59 without VF). VFs were diagnosed in lateral thoracolumbar X-rays and classified according to the semiquantitative method of Genant. In all patients, DXA was performed for lumbar spine, hip and distal forearm. Results: The mean age of patients was 68.7 years in VF group and 61 in non-fracture group (p<0.05). Patients in VF group had significantly higher reporting of back pain, height loss and previous low-energy fracture; were significantly shorter and had lower body weight than patients in nonfracture group. Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly lower for all points of measurement in VF group. In VF group, 57.4% of patients had lumbar T-score<=-2.5SD, 34.4% had osteopenia and 8.2% T-score>=-1SD. Eighty percentage had Tscore<=-2.5 in at least one point of measurement. BMD in all points of measurement correlated with number and grade of VF (p<0.05). Conclusion: Age, previous low energy fracture and BMD in at least two measurement points should be factored when assessing low-energy fracture risk and need for treatment. Low-energy VF should be actively searched for in women with advanced age, history of back pain and self-reported height loss.