Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Vertebral fracture assessment in asymptomatic men and its impact on management
A El Maghraoui1, A Mounach, A Rezqi
1Rheumatology Department, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco. aelmaghraoui@gmail.com
Introduction:
Recognition of vertebral fractures (VFs) change the patient's diagnostic classification, estimation of fracture risk, and threshold for pharmacological intervention. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) enables the detection of VFs in the same session as bone mineral density (BMD) testing.
Objective:
To study prevalence and risk factors of VFs using VFA in asymptomatic men and measure its impact on patients' management.
Methods:
We enrolled 791 men aged between 45 and 89 (mean age, weight and BMI of 62.4±8.6) (45 to 89) years, 74.9±12.7 (40 to 163) and 26.3±4.0 (16.6 to 43.8) kg/m(2), respectively. Lateral VFA images and scans of the lumbar spine and proximal femur were obtained using a GE Healthcare Lunar Prodigy densitometer. VFs were defined using a combination of Genant semiquantitative (SQ) approach and morphometry.
Results:
VFs were identified in 318 (40.3%): 206 (26.0%) had grade 1 and 112 (14.2%) had grade 2 or 3. As would be expected, the prevalence of VFA-detected fractures globally increased significantly with age and as BMI and BMD declined. A fracture was identified on VFA in 85 (32.4%) of men with normal BMD (6.9% had grade 2/3 VFs) and in 144 (35.8%) with osteopenia (11.7% had grade 2/3 VFs). Stepwise regression analysis showed that presence of VFs was independently related to the osteoporotic status (OR=4.761, 95%CI [2.956-7.668]; p<0.0001) and current smoking (OR=1.717, 95%CI [1.268-2.323]; p=0.002).
Conclusion:
Our results support the recommendation to enlarge the indications of VFA to all the men referred for DXA measurement.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care