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Predicting delayed union in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with consecutive magnetic resonance imaging in the acute
S Takahashi1, M Hoshino2, K Takayama3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan. shinji@med.osaka-cu.ac.jp.
Abstract:
This study demonstrated the predictive values of radiological findings for delayed union after osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). High-signal changes on T2WI were useful findings.
Introduction:
The purpose of the present study is to determine predictive radiological findings for delayed union by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and plain X-rays at two time points in the acute phase of OVFs.
Methods:
This multicenter cohort study was performed from 2012 to 2015. A total of 218 consecutive patients with OVFs ≤2 weeks old were enrolled. MRIs and plain X-rays were performed at the time of enrollment and at 1- and 6-month follow-ups. Signal changes on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were classified as diffuse low-, confined low-, or no-signal change; those on T2WI were classified as high (similar to the intensity of cerebrospinal fluid), confined low-, diffuse low-, or no-signal change. The angular motion of the fractured vertebral body was measured with X-rays.
Results:
A total of 153 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. A high-signal change on T2WI was most useful in predicting delayed union. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were 53.3, 87.8, and 51.6 % at enrollment and 65.5, 84.8, and 51.4 % at the 1-month follow-up, respectively. The positive predictive value increased to 62.5 % with observation of high- or diffuse low-signal changes at both enrollment and the 1-month follow-up. The cutoff value of vertebral motion was 5 degrees. Sensitivity and specificity at enrollment were 52.4 and 74.1 %, respectively.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated the radiological factors predicting delayed union after an OVF. T2 high-signal changes showed the strongest association with delayed union. Consecutive MRIs were particularly useful as a differential tool to predict delayed union following OVFs.
