脊柱原发性骨质疏松椎体压缩的MRI表现

目的探讨脊柱原发性骨质疏松椎体压缩的ＭＲＩ表现。方法对３年间Ｘ线诊断、临床证实的６０例脊柱原发性骨质疏松的ＭＲＩ表现进行回顾分析，并与对照组比较。结果１６２个椎体表现为压缩变形，其中凹陷形９８个，楔形５１个，扁平形１３个。压缩椎体邻近椎间盘常膨突到椎体凹陷区内；矢状位Ｔ１ＷＩ４７个椎体表现为椎体内不同范围、不同类型的低信号。结论压缩椎体后上角突入椎管内，Ｔ１ＷＩ椎体终板下呈带状低信号和除椎体后角外全椎体呈低信号，为原发性骨质疏松椎体压缩ＭＲＩ比较典型的表现。     

绝经期女性胸腰椎后凸与椎体压缩骨折相关性分析

目的探讨绝经期女性骨质疏松骨折的临床特点,以及胸腰段脊柱力线对骨折发生的风险分析。方法本研究为病例对照研究,收集自2013年1月至2015年6月因骨质疏松性压缩骨折在北京积水潭医院住院,并行椎体成形术的绝经期女性患者396例(研究组),平均年龄64岁(55~72岁);对照组选取因下腰椎退行性疾病住院手术的患者271例,平均年龄62岁(55~84岁)。记录所有患者入院时的年龄、体质量指数(BMI)、骨密度定量CT(QCT)、骨折椎体。利用站立位X线影像测量胸腰段(T11~L2)矢状位和冠状位的Cobb角。利用患者胸腰段椎体的平均Cobb角,修订并推算骨折前患者T11~L2的矢状位和冠状位Cobb角。分析胸腰段骨质疏松性骨折的临床点和危险因素。结果研究组患者中,T11椎体骨折患者69例(19.6%),T12椎体骨折153例(43.5%),L1椎体骨折174例(49.4%),L2椎体骨折70例(19.9%)。研究组和对照组患者的年龄和BMI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。研究组患者修订后的胸腰段矢状位Cobb角为(13.6°±7.6°),对照组为(5.9°±6.0°),两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。研究组患者修订后胸腰段冠状位Cobb角为(0.4°±4.0°),对照组为(0.1°±4.1°),两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。使用ROC曲线和尤登指数计算胸腰段矢状位Cobb角,对于胸腰椎骨质疏松性骨折的最佳分界值为7.5°,OR值为7.6(95%可信区间为2.5~22.8)。结论胸腰段矢状位后凸会增加骨质疏松性骨折的风险,后凸Cobb角度>7.5°时,骨折风险增加7倍,但冠状位的侧弯不增加骨折的风险。     

Measurements of vertebral shape by radiographic morphometry: sex differences and relationships with vertebral level and lumbar lordosis

Objective. To examine sex-related and vertebral-level-specific differences in vertebral shape and to investigate the relationships between the lumbar lordosis angle and vertebral morphology. Design and patients. Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs were obtained with a standardized protocol in 142 healthy men and 198 healthy women over 50 years old. Anterior (Ha), central (Hc) and posterior (Hp) heights of each vertebra from T4 to L4 were measured using a digitizing technique, and the Ha/Hp and Hc/Hp ratios were calculated. The lumbar lordosis angle was measured on the lateral lumbar spine radiographs. Results. Ha/Hp and Hc/Hp ratios were smaller in men than women by 1.8% and 0.7%, respectively, and these ratios varied with vertebral level. Significant correlations were found between vertebral shape and the lumbar lordosis angle. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that vertebral shape varies significantly with sex, vertebral level and lumbar lordosis angle. Awareness of these relationships may help prevent misdiagnosis in clinical vertebral morphometry.     

A comparison of radiographic and computer-assisted measurements of thoracic and thoracolumbar sagittal curvature

Sagittal plane curve characteristics of the thoracolumbar spine were evaluated from 286 lateral chest radiographs comparing the Cobb technique with a computer-aided digitizer. Thoracic kyphosis and curve apex were measured from the T3 to T11 segments, and in 120 cases, the level of the thoracolumbar curve inflexion point was determined. An age-related increase in curve magnitude was similar for both measurements, although computer generated kyphosis angles were generally larger. The apex of thoracic kyphosis was consistently located near T7 for males compared with greater variability with age for females. The thoracolumbar inflexion point shifted caudally with increasing years, being most marked for females. The computer method was more reliable, producing a coefficient of variation of 1.4% on repeated measurement. The ability to describe quantitatively the thoracolumbar curve characteristics, calculate angles between selected segments, determine points of inflexion and maximum curvature, indicates that radiographic evaluation of sagittal spinal curvature is improved with the use of computer-aided measurement.Further information regarding software developed for this study may be requested from the authors     

Height gain of vertebral bodies and stabilization of vertebral geometry over one year after vertebroplasty of osteoporotic vertebral fractures

The height gain of vertebral bodies after vertebroplasty and geometrical stability was evaluated over a one-year period. Osteoporotic fractures were treated with vertebroplasty. The vertebral geometry and disc spaces were analysed using reformatted computed tomography (CT) images: heights of the anterior, posterior, and lateral vertebral walls, disc spaces, endplate angles, and minimal endplate distances. Vertebrae were assigned to group I [severe compression (anterior height/posterior height) <0.75] and group II (moderate compression index >0.75). A total of 102 vertebral bodies in 40 patients (12 men, 28 women, age 70.3 ± 9.5) were treated with vertebroplasty and prospectively followed for 12 months. Group I showed a greater benefit compared with group II with respect to anterior height gain (+2.1 ± 1.9 vs +0.7 ± 1.6 mm, P < 0.001), reduction of endplate angle (−3.6 ± 4.2 vs −0.8 ± 2.3°, P < 0.001), and compression index (+0.09 ± 0.11 vs +0.01 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). At one-year follow-up, group I demonstrated preserved anterior height gain (+1.5 ± 2.8 mm, P < 0.015) and improved endplate angle (−3.4 ± 4.9°, P < 0.001). In group II, the vertebral heights returned to and were fixed at the pre-interventional levels. Vertebroplasty provided vertebral height gain over one year, particularly in cases with severe compression. Vertebrae with moderate compression were fixed and stabilized at the pre-treatment level over one year.     

Assessment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures using specialized workflow software for 6-point morphometry

Purpose

To evaluate the time required, the accuracy and the precision of a model-based image analysis software tool for the diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures using a 6-point morphometry protocol.

Materials and methods

Lateral dorsal and lumbar radiographs were performed on 92 elderly women (mean age 69.2 ± 5.7 years). Institutional review board approval and patient informed consent were obtained for all subjects. The semi-automated and the manual correct annotations of 6-point placement were compared to calculate the time consumed and the accuracy of the software. Twenty test images were randomly selected and the data obtained by multiple perturbed initialisation points on the same image were compared to assess the precision of the system.

Results

The time requirement data of the semi-automated system (420 ± 67 s) were statistically different (p < 0.05) from that of manual placement (900 ± 77 s). In the accuracy test, the mean reproducibility error for semi-automatic 6-point placement was 2.50 ± 0.72% [95% CI] for the anterior–posterior reference and 2.16 ± 0.5% [95% CI] for the superior–inferior reference. In the precision test the mean error resulted averaged over all vertebrae was 2.6 ± 1.3% in terms of vertebral width.

Conclusions

The technique is time effective, accurate and precise and can, therefore, be recommended in large epidemiological studies and pharmaceutical trials for reporting of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.     

Development and validation of a bespoke phantom to test accuracy of Cobb angle measurements

IntroductionAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity that causes the spine to bend laterally. Patients with AIS undergo frequent X-ray examinations to monitor the progression of the disorder by through the measurement of the Cobb angle. Frequent exposure of adolescents poses the risk of radiation-induced cancer. The aim of this research was to design and build a bespoke phantom representing a 10-year-old child with AIS to allow optimisation of imaging protocols for AIS assessment through the accuracy of Cobb angle measurements.MethodsPoly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and plaster of Paris (PoP) were used to represent human soft tissue and bone tissue, respectively, to construct a phantom exhibiting a 15° lateral curve of the spine. The phantom was validated by comparing the Hounsfield unit (HU) of its vertebrae with that of human and sheep. Additionally, comparisons of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to those from a commercially available phantom. An assessment of the accuracy of the radiographic assessment of the Cobb angle measurement was performed.ResultsThe HU of the PoP vertebrae was 628 (SD = 56), human vertebrae was 598 (SD = 79) and sheep vertebra was 605 (SD = 83). The SNR values of the two phantoms correlated strongly (r = 0.93 (p = 0.00)). The measured scoliosis angle was 14°.ConclusionThe phantom has physical characteristics (in terms of spinal deformity) and radiological characteristics (in terms of HU and SNR values) of the spine of a 10-year-old child with AIS. This phantom has utility for the optimisation of x-ray imaging techniques in 10 year old children.Implications for practiceA phantom to investigate new x-ray imaging techniques and technology in the assessment of scoliosis and to optimise currently used protocols.     

Prevalence of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures on multidetector CT: underreporting by radiologists

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in patients undergoing multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the chest and/or abdomen.

Materials and methods

323 consecutive patients (196 males, 127 females) with a mean age of 62.6 years (range 20–88) who had undergone chest and/or abdominal MDCT were evaluated. Sagittal reformats of the spine obtained from thin section datasets were reviewed by two radiologists and assessed for vertebral fractures. Morphometric analysis using electronic calipers was performed on vertebral bodies which appeared abnormal upon visual inspection. A vertebral body height loss of 15% or more was considered a fracture and graded as mild (15–24%), moderate (25–49%) or severe (more than 50%). Official radiology reports were reviewed and whether the vertebral fractures had been reported or not was noted.

Results

31 out of 323 patients (9.5%) had at least 1 vertebral fracture and 7 of those patients had multiple fractures for a total of 41 fractures. Morphometric grading revealed 10 mild, 16 moderate and 15 severe fractures. Prevalence was higher in women (14.1%) than men (6.6%) and increased with patients age with a 17.1% prevalence in post-menopausal women. Only 6 out 41 vertebral fractures (14.6%) had been noted in the radiology final report while the remaining 35 (85.45) had not.

Conclusion

although vertebral fractures represent frequent incidental findings on multidetector CT studies and may be easily identified on sagittal reformats, they are often underreported by radiologists, most likely because of unawareness of their clinical importance.     

I期后路全脊椎切除治疗重度胸腰椎畸形的神经系统并发症

目的 探讨应用I期后路全脊椎切除治疗重度胸腰椎畸形的神经系统并发症,并分析相关危险因素.方法 2000年2月-2010年9月接受I期后路全脊椎切除治疗的重度胸腰椎畸形患者67例,男29例,女38例;年龄14～62岁,平均31.4岁.其中青少年(年龄<18岁)21例,成人(年龄≥18岁)46例.侧凸畸形11例,平均冠状面主弯Cobb角90.4°;侧后凸畸形25例,冠状面主弯Cobb角94.5°,后凸角度平均65.5°;角状后凸畸形28例,平均后凸角74.3°;圆弧状后凸3例,平均后凸角91.1°.初次手术患者59例,翻修患者8例.采用主弯区顶椎全脊椎切除,全节段椎弓根螺钉内固定矫形和360°植骨融合术,统计神经系统并发症的发生情况.结果 平均随访时间14个月(3～69个月),出现神经系统并发症者共8例(11.9%),其中严重神经并发症3例,发生率4.5%,包括1例大量失血血容量灌注不足导致完全性脊髓损伤.轻度神经并发症患者5例,发牛率7.5%.胸椎全脊椎切除的神经损伤发生率要明显高于腰椎(P<0.05).多个椎体切除的并发症发牛率显著增加(P<0.05).术前已经伴有或者不伴有神经损害表现患者的神经并发症发生率分别为33.3%和7.3%(P<0.05),翻修手术的并发症发生率明显增加(P<0.05).差异虽无统计学意义(P>0.05),但出现神经系统并发症的8例患者术前均合并有严重的后凸畸形(>60.).结论 I期后路全脊椎切除是外科治疗重度胸腰椎畸形有效手术方式,但神经并发症应引起关注.相关神经损伤危险因素包括术中操作不当、大量失血、术前已经有神经受损表现、胸段截骨、多个椎体切除、翻修手术和严重后凸.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze the neurological complications in treatment of severe thoracolumbar spinal deformity with one stage posterior vertebral column resection (pVCR) and discuss the related risk factors. Methods There were 67 patients with severe thoracolumbar spinal deformity who underwent one-stage pVCR from February 2000 to September 2010.There were 29 males and 38 females at an average age of 31.4 years old(range,14-62 years).There were 21 patients at age less than 18 years old and 46 at age more than 18 years old.Patients were divided into four pathological types:severe scoliosis group(n=11,mean Cobb angle 90.4°),kyphoscoliosis group(n=25,mean scoliosis 94.5°,and mean kyphosis 65.5°),angular kyphosis group(n=28,mean kyphosis 74.3°)and global kyphosis group(n=3,mean kyphosis 91.1°).of all the patients,59 patients underwent primary surgery and eight underwent revision surgery.Surgical methods included posterior apex vertebral column resection,segemental pedicle screw fixation and correction as well as 360° bone fusion.Neurological complication was statistically analyzed. Results The average follow-up was 14 months (range,3-69 months),which showed severe neurologic complication in eight patients(11.9%)after surgery.Severe neurologic complication occurred in three patients (4.5%),among whom one patient presented delayed complete paraplegia 23 hours after surgery.Five patients had mild neurologic deficits(7.5%),the incidence of which was higher than 23.1%for thoracic osteotomy (P<0.05).Multilevel pVCR had high rate of neurological complications (P<0.05).The incidence rate was 33.3% for patients with preoperative neurologic compromise and 7.3%for patients mthom preoperative neuroiogic compromise (P<0.05).The incidence rate was increased in the revision surgery (P<0.05).Eight patients with neurological deficits had kyphotic angle of raore than 60°although there was no statistical difference (P>0.05). Conclusions pVCR is an effective surgical method for the correction of severe thoracolumbar spinal deformity.The neurological complications,however,should be paid attention to the surgeons.The risk factors for neurologic complications include improper manipulation,massive blood losing,preoperative neurologic compromise,osteotomy at thoracic rein,multi-level vertebrectomy,revision surgery and severe kyphosis.     

胸腰椎骨折术后并发迟发性后凸畸形的危险因素和后路脊柱缩短术

目的探讨胸腰椎骨折术后并发迟发性后凸畸形的危险因素,并分析经椎弓根椎体椎间隙截骨脊柱缩短术的疗效。方法回顾性分析1999年7月-2004年7月本院收治的胸腰椎骨折术后远期并发后凸畸形患者17例,其中男12例,女5例;年龄24～52岁,平均34岁。患者初期均在伤后3～11d内接受后路手术;就诊时后凸畸形Cobb角32°～72°,平均46°。17例患者均采用经椎弓根椎体椎间隙截骨脊柱缩短术。结果术后迟发性后凸畸形的因素为初次后路手术未行植骨融合12例,初次手术没有满意恢复骨折椎体的高度9例,初次手术没有满意重建脊柱正常矢状面形态而残留部分后凸畸形9例,内固定失败和假关节形成7例及固定节段过度撑开3例。本组术前胸腰椎后凸Cobb角46°,术后8°,纠正率为83%(38/46)。随访6个月～4.5年,平均2年4个月,Cobb角11°,纠正丢失率8%(3/38)。无死亡、深部感染患者,其中12例腰痛消失。结论初次后路手术未行植骨融合、没有满意恢复骨折椎体的高度、没有满意重建脊柱正常矢状面形态、内固定失败及假关节形成是胸腰椎骨折术后并发迟发性后凸畸形发生的危险因素。采用经椎弓根椎体椎间隙截骨脊柱缩短术可以一次后路手术完成内固定取出和矫形内固定,临床疗效满意。     

DXA椎体骨折评估联合腰椎侧位骨密度诊断老年性骨质疏松的临床研究

目的研究双能X线吸收检测法（DXA）椎体骨折评估（VFA）联合腰椎侧位骨密度诊断老年性骨质疏松的效能。方法选取我院DXA同时检测髋部、腰椎前后位、腰椎侧位骨密度及VFA的老年受检者86例,根据DXA骨密度低下或VFA有脆性骨折诊断骨质疏松。比较腰椎侧位骨密度联合VFA与常规DXA检测髋部及腰椎前后位骨密度诊断骨质疏松的检出率。检出率的比较采用χ2检验。结果所有受检者中,常规DXA检测髋部及腰椎前后位诊断出骨质疏松患者58例（58/76,76.3%）,侧位骨密度联合VFA诊断出骨质疏松患者76例（76/76,100%）,二者检出率差异有统计学意义（χ2=10.617,P < 0.001）。其中,股骨颈骨密度诊断骨质疏松疏检出率（55.3%）高于髋部整体（34.2%）,二者差异有统计学意义（χ2=6.812,P < 0.05）;髋部骨密度、腰椎前后位骨密度、腰椎侧位骨密度和VFA诊断骨质疏松症检出率分别为60.5%、47.4%、84.2%和78.9%,腰椎侧位骨密度与VFA的骨质疏松检出率比较,差异无统计学意义（χ2=0.700,P>0.05）,但二者均高于髋部骨密度的骨质疏松检出率（χ2=10.66、6.110,均P < 0.05）。结论DXA检测腰椎侧位骨密度联合VFA对老年性骨质疏松的诊断具有重要价值,能够避免骨质疏松的漏诊。     

CT-guided vertebroplasty in osteoprotic vertebral fractures: incidence of secondary fractures and impact of intradiscal cement leakages during follow-up

The purpose of this study was to analyse the number and types of secondary fractures, and to investigate the impact of intradiscal cement leaks for adjacent vertebral fractures. Patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures were treated with vertebroplasty. Results were documented and prospectively followed by means of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The frequency and the types of cement leakages were analysed from multiplanar CT images and secondary fractures were characterised as follows: (1) adjacent fracture in the immediate vicinity of an augmented vertebra; (2) sandwich fracture, fracture of an untreated vertebra between two vertebrae that had been previously augmented, and (3) distant fractures not in the vicinity of augmented vertebrae. A total of 385 osteoporotic vertebral fractures were treated in 191 patients (61 men, 130 women, age 70.7 ± 9.7 years). The overall rate of cement leaks was 55.6%, including all leaks detectable by CT. Intradiscal leaks through the upper, the lower, and both endplates occurred in 18.2%, 6.8%, and 2.6%, respectively. In 39 patients (20.4%), a total of 72 secondary fractures occurred: 30 adjacent fractures in 23 patients (12.0%) with a time to fracture of 2 months [median; 1.0/4.0 months, first/third quartile (Q1/Q3)]; 11 secondary sandwich fractures in 11 patients (5.8%) after 1.5 months (median; 0.25/7.5 months, Q1/Q3); and 31 distant fractures in 20 patients (10.5%) after 5 months (median; 2.0/8.0 months, Q1/Q3). Ten of 30 adjacent fractures occurred in the presence of pre-existing intradiscal cement leaks and 20 where there was no leakage. Six of 11 sandwich fractures occurred in the presence of intradiscal leaks (five leaks in both adjacent disc spaces, one leak in the lower disc space) and five where there was no leakage. The rate of secondary adjacent and non-adjacent fractures is quite similar and there is no specific impact of intradiscal leakages on the occurrence of adjacent secondary fractures. Adjacent fractures occur sooner than distant secondary fractures. Sandwich fractures are associated with specific biomechanical conditions, with a 37.9% fracture rate in sandwich constellations.     

骨质疏松与恶性骨质破坏致椎体压缩性骨折的CT磁共振成像影像特点及鉴别诊断

目的 探究采用CT、磁共振成像(MRI)鉴别诊断骨质疏松与恶性骨破坏导致的椎体压缩性骨折的临床疗效.方法 选择2019年12月至2020年12月经临床诊疗证实为骨质疏松及恶性骨质破坏致脊椎骨折的患者76例,分为2组:A组(骨质疏松改变并伴有压缩性骨折,36例),B组(恶性骨破坏致压缩性骨折,40例).对比2组患者椎体、...     

Radiologic assessment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: diagnostic and prognostic implications

As populations age osteoporosis becomes an increasingly important public health issue. Among osteoporotic fractures vertebral fractures are of particular relevance: they are the most common fractures, frequently are asymptomatic but have an important influence on prognosis and morbidity in the osteoporotic patient. Previous studies have suggested that these fractures are frequently not diagnosed and that radiologists miss a high percentage of osteoporotic, vertebral fractures present on lateral chest radiographs. The aims of this review are (1) to emphasize the important role that radiologists play in the accurate and clear reporting of vertebral fractures, (2) to provide guidance in assessing these fractures in radiographs, MRI and computed tomography imaging of the vertebral spine and (3) to sensitize the radiologist in diagnosing fractures in chest radiographs.The authors are members of the Osteoporosis Group of the European Society of Skeletal Radiology (ESSR).     

Vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fracture

During the last few years, vertebroplasty has gained a wide acceptance for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral body fractures and osteolytic changes. However, new guidelines with significant changes in indications and technique were published recently in Europe. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight recent changes in indications for vertebroplasty, patient work-up and changes in procedural technique, and to give an overview of patient outcome and possible complications. Therefore, technical details like different types of fluoroscopy, needle placement, pain management during the intervention, recommended equipment, including bone cement, and the use of venography are discussed. Postprocedural issues are noted, including the risk of minor and major complications and the expected outcome of the treated patients.     

Incidental vertebral compression fractures in imaging studies: Lessons not learned by radiologists

AIM: To assess radiologists reporting rates of incidental vertebral compression fractures in imaging studies.METHODS: We performed a review of the current literature on the prevalence and reporting rates of incidental vertebral compression fractures in radiologic examinations.RESULTS: The bibliographic search revealed 12 studies: 7 studies using conventional radiology and 5 using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The loss of height cut-off to define a vertebral fracture varied from 15% to 25%. Fracture prevalence was high (mean 21.1%; range 9.5%-35%) in both radiographic and MDCT studies (mean 21.6% and 20.2%, respectively). Reporting rates were low with a mean value of 27.4% (range 0%-66.3%) and were significantly lower in MDCT than in radiographic studies (mean 8.1% vs 41.1%). Notably, recent studies showed lower reporting rates than older studies.CONCLUSION: Many scientific studies have confirmed a high prevalence of vertebral compression fractures as incidental findings on imaging studies. However, the underreporting of these fractures, as determined in our study, may negatively affect patient care.     

椎体成形术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的生命质量评价

目的 评价经皮椎体成形术(PVP)治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的长期生活质量.方法 随访PVP治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折患者183例,获得完整随访资料25例,用形象类比(VAS)评价术前、术后不同时期的疼痛程度,用日常生活自理能力(ADL)和下腰部功能活动障碍(OLBPDQ)量表分别观察患者术前、术后大于1年的生活质量,并观察骨水泥渗漏对生命质量的影响.结果 术后末次随访平均36.5个月(13～42个月).术前、术后1 d、3、6个月及1年以上随访时VAS疼痛分值分别为8.96±1.11、4.58±2.56、3.16±2.28、2.11±0.27、1.63±0.21;ADL量表(Barthel指数)术前、术后分别为54.34±13.21、84.28±18.30,较术前提高了55%;OLBPDQ量表(ODI指数)术前、术后分别为25.64±13.84、17.52±10.71,较术前下降了32%.两组间P值均＜0.05.术后CT证实少量骨水泥渗漏5例,平均随访32个月均无临床症状.结论 PVP术治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折不仅可迅速缓解患者疼痛,而且可长期提高患者生活质量;少量无症状的骨水泥渗漏对患者长期生命质量无明显影响.     

Reproducibility of a semi-automatic method for 6-point vertebral morphometry in a multi-centre trial

Purpose

To evaluate the reproducibility of a semi-automated system for vertebral morphometry (MorphoXpress) in a large multi-centre trial.

Materials and methods

The study involved 132 clinicians (no radiologist) with different levels of experience across 20 osteo-centres in Italy. All have received training in using MorphoXpress. An expert radiologist was also involved providing data used as standard of reference. The test image originate from normal clinical activity and represent a variety of normal, under and over exposed films, indicating both normal anatomy and vertebral deformities. The image was represented twice to the clinicians in a random order. Using the software, the clinicians initially marked the midpoints of the upper and lower vertebrae to include as many of the vertebrae (T5-L4) as practical within each given image. MorphoXpress performs the localisation of all morphometric points based on statistical model-based vision system. Intra-operator as well inter-operator measurement of agreement was calculated using the coefficient of variation and the mean and standard deviation of the difference of two measurements to check their agreement.

Results

The overall intra-operator mean differences in vertebral heights is 1.61 ± 4.27% (1 S.D.). The overall intra-operator coefficient of variation is 3.95%. The overall inter-operator mean differences in vertebral heights is 2.93 ± 5.38% (1 S.D.). The overall inter-operator coefficient of variation is 6.89%.

Conclusions

The technology tested here can facilitate reproducible quantitative morphometry suitable for large studies of vertebral deformities.     

T2WI MRI and MRI-MDCT correlations of the osteoporotic vertebral compressive fractures

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to present the various vertebral bone signal and configuration patterns on T2WI MRI in osteoporotic benign fractures. The appearances were also assessed with thin slice MPR CT images.

Materials and methods

66 patients (43 women, 23 men; age range, 34–97 years; mean age, 76 years) with 100 vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis were included in our study. All cases are acute or subacute phase fractures which occurred within 1 month. Multiple fractures were observed in 29 patients, in 8 cases multiple concurrent fractures were proved by past radiograph or MRI. Three planes of T2WI (sagittal, coronal, axial) section images were correlated with the corresponding MDCT images.

Results

In our retrospective study, various signals and forms of vertebral body fractures were observed. The fracture zone (line) was classified 3 signal intensity patterns. (high; n = 24, low to intermediate; n = 16, low intensity; n = 38) on T2WI. The signal of the peri(para) fractured area were high (n = 6), intermediate to low (n = 41), low (n = 53)intensity. With CT correlative study, high, low to intermediate area were considered to be corresponded to the bone marrow edema, fibrous reparative tissue with/without the bony callus formation. The localization were as follows: sub-end plate band like lesion in 53, central in 16, anterior in 13, sub-endplate + anterior in 10, and complete (diffuse) in 8. In 10 cases, adjacent Schmorl's nodules were observed.

Conclusion

The various vertebral body signal patterns were observed in osteoporotic compressive fracture on T2WI. By MRI-CT correlations, high signal and low signal area on T2WI corresponded to the bone marrow edema, and the fibrous tissue or callus formation respectively.     

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the management of vertebral osteoporotic fractures. Short-term,mid-term and long-term follow-up of 285 patients

Objectives  To evaluate the short-term, mid-term and long-term follow-up of 285 patients who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (VCF) in our department from 2003 to 2006, and, particularly, to analyse our data on the safety and the usefulness of PVP for durable pain reduction, mobility improvement and the need for analgesic drugs. Materials and methods  Follow-up analysis was made through a questionnaire completed by the patients before and after PVP (1 week, 1 year and 3 years). The results are reported by subdivision of patients into groups (by gender, age and number of treated vertebrae), with special reference to pain management, drug administration and quality of life. Results  All patients (285) were followed up for 1 week, 186 for 12 months, and 68 patients were followed up for 3 years. One week after PVP all patients reported normal ambulation (with or without pain), and more than 95% were able to perform activities of daily living (ADL) either without pain or with mild pain. There was no difference in pain relief between the genders after 1 week’s follow up, but after 3 years better analgesia results were observed in women. There was no statistically significant difference in the visual analogue scale (VAS) values before PVP between age groups (P = 0.7) and gender (P = 0.4); Patients younger than 75 years had better outcomes than did older ones (>75 years) at 1 week and 1 year follow up. Patients also reported significant reduction in drug therapy for pain. Conclusions  PVP is a safe and useful procedure for the treatment of vertebral osteoporotic fractures. It produces enduring pain reduction, improves patients’ mobility and decreases the need for analgesic drugs.