Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Epidemiological studies show that one half of vertebral fractures, which play an important role in estimation of future fracture risk, remain unrecognized.

Aim: To establish vertebral fracture frequency in relation to bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Study comprised 146 postmenopausal women. On the grounds of spine and hip DXA T-score based on WHO criteria subjects were divided to healthy, osteoporosis or osteopenia. Vertebral fractures were verified by lateral DXA scan vertebral morphometry of thoracic and lumbar spine.

Results: Vertebral fractures were found in 111 (76%) women; 58 (52.2%) in osteoporosis, 33 (29.7%) in osteopenia and 20 (18.1%) in healthy subjects. Statistically significant difference was found between age of women with osteoporosis compared to group with osteopenia and healthy group (67.86±9.24 vs 62.97±8.74 years; 67.86±9.24 vs 61.55±10.53 years.; P<0.05). Statistically significant difference between women in relation to body mass index was not found. Thoracic vertebra fractures dominated in all three groups with similar frequency of compressive and second degree wedge fractures. Statistically significant higher frequency of vertebral fractures was found in group with osteoporosis compared to healthy osteoporosis group (P<0,001). Statistically significant higher frequency of lumbar vertebre fractures was seen in osteoporosis compared to osteopenia and healthy subjects. Higher frequency of vertebral fractures in women with osteopenia compared to healthy group was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Lateral DXA scan can be used in estimation of fracture risk in addition to BMD, clinical and biochemical risk factures to provide better insight in individual fracture risk and help decide upon activities and therapy in fracture prevention.