Reliability and accuracy of scout CT in the detection of vertebral fractures

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of scout CT (sCT) lateral radiograph, in terms of diagnostic accuracy and intra- and interobserver agreement in the detection of vertebral fractures (VFs).

300 CT examinations of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine were collected and independently analysed by 3 musculoskeletal radiologists in 2 different sessions. A semi-quantitative approach was used for VF assessment on sCT, and morphometric analysis was performed when a VF was suspected. Results of multiplanar sagittal CT reconstructions interpreted by the most expert radiologist were considered as gold standard. Arthrosis was also scored. Only vertebral bodies assessable by both sCT and gold standard were considered for the analysis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), Cohen's kappa statistic and linear-by-linear association were used for statistical analysis.

1522 vertebrae were considered (130 males and 170 females; ages, 73.0±2.8 years). 73 of 1522 (4.8%) VFs were identified in 34/300 patients (11.3%). In the detection of VFs, the sensitivity and specificity of sCT were 98.7% and 99.7%, respectively. Accuracy (AUROC=0.992±0.008), as well as interobserver agreement (k=0.968±0.008), was excellent. Intra-observer agreement was perfect (k=1.000). Performance of this method was independent of arthrosis, vertebral level and type and grade of VFs.

sCT is a simple but very accurate method for the detection of VFs. It should be introduced as a spine evaluation tool for the detection of VFs in examinations that are performed for other diagnostic purposes.

sCT lateral radiograph is an accurate tool for the detection of VFs. This technique may be used with several advantages in clinical practice.