Quantitative vertebral x-ray computed tomography. Results in 105 women consulting for osteoporosis

Quantitative vertebral CT scan imaging is a method developed to provide direct measurements of mineralization of vertebral body spongy tissue, and is presently the most precise procedure for the early detection of spinal osteoporosis. A fracture threshold has been defined below which are found 95% of patients with a crushed vertebra: it is situated at 70% of the value for mineralization normal for the age of patients. Patients with marked reductions in their level of mineralization can be kept under surveillance before the onset of fracture. In patients with vertebral collapses the density is correlated significantly with the number of crush fractures. In addition, measurement of vertebral spongy bone density has allowed the importance of the vertebral lesion to be determined in various osteoporotic disorders, including those with only cortical fractures, and in this way to differentiate them.