Comparison of the zonal distribution of calcium salt density and fat marrow in bone-healthy and osteoporotic sacra: an image data analysis using quantitative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

ConclusionThe results suggest that in PEO sacral alae experience disproportionate skeletal rarefaction. This concerns the sacral ala at the S1 level ( − 25 ± 55), whereby the calcium salt content is so low that it corresponds to the S3 level of healthy bone (− 20 ± 21 HU). This explains the occurrence of transalar fractures in the load-transmitting zone S1. In PEOFx, the calcium salt density was higher and the fat content was low er on the fractured side than on the intact side, indicating bony compacting due to lateral compression and fat displacement due to hematoma in the accident mechanism.This study makes an important contribution to the understanding of the development of sacral fragility fractures. Furthermore, impaction of the cancellous bone within the fracture can be demonstrated.
Source: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research