Vertebral body index and bone mineral density in women with spinal fractures. 66 probands compared with controls

The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 61 women with compression fractures of the spine and 66 normal pre-menopausal women. Radiographs of the lateral spine were also obtained and the vertebral body index (VBI) was measured in the region L2-L4. Women with spinal fractures had lower BMD and VBI values. Using both BMD and VBI, 3 regions of fracture risk were defined. All but 2 of the fracture patients were in the moderate- or high-risk region for fracture.