Vertebral Fractures in Ireland: A Sub-analysis of the DXA HIP Project

In this study we examined the prevalence of VF and associated major risk factors, using a sample of subjects who underwent vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) performed on 2 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) machines. A total of 1296 subjects aged 40  years and older had a valid VFA report and DXA information available, including 254 men and 1042 women. Subjects had a mean age of 70 years, 805 (62%) had prior fractures, mean spine T-score was − 1.4 and mean total hip T-scores was − 1.2, while mean FRAX scores were 15.4% and 4.8% for majo r osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture, respectively. Although 95 (7%) had a known VF prior to scanning, 283 (22%) patients had at least 1 VF on their scan: 161 had 1, 61 had 2, and 61 had 3 or more. The prevalence of VF increased with age from 11.5% in those aged 40–49 years to >  33% among those aged ≥ 80 years. Both men and women with VF had significantly lower BMD at each measured site, and significantly higher FRAX scores,P <  0.01. These data suggest VF are common in high risk populations, particularly older men and women with low BMD, previous fractures, and at high risk of fracture. Urgent attention is needed to examine effective ways to identify those at risk and to reduce the burden of VF.
Source: Calcified Tissue International - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research