Association Between Vertebral Fracture and Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Vertebral fractures often receive conservative management.
• Surgical intervention is recommended for vertebral fractures in patients with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH).
• Treatment strategies for vertebral fractures differ based on the presence of DISH, yet its prevalence in this population is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of DISH in patients admitted with vertebral fractures.
• To compare demographic and clinical features between vertebral fracture patients with and without DISH.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study involving 159 patients diagnosed with fresh vertebral fractures.
• Diagnosis confirmed via X-ray, CT, and MRI.
• Assessment of DISH presence and comparison of age, sex, bone mineral density, blood test results, treatment, and hospital stay between DISH and non-DISH groups.

Main Results:

• Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) was present in 33.9% of vertebral fracture patients (54/159).
• Patients with DISH were older and had higher glycated hemoglobin A1c and bone mineral density.
• The DISH group experienced a significantly longer hospital stay compared to the non-DISH group.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion (33.9%) of vertebral fracture patients exhibit DISH.
• The presence of DISH in vertebral fracture patients necessitates careful consideration due to potential differences in management.
• Further research into optimal treatment approaches for vertebral fractures in patients with DISH is warranted.