Reporting of vertebral fragility fractures: can radiologists help reduce the number of hip fractures?

• DOI: 10.1007/s11657-017-0363-y
• Publication Date: 2017-08-07T11:07:45Z
• Authors: R. M. Mitchell; P. Jewell; M. K. Javaid; D. McKean; S. J. Ostlere
• Keywords: Hip Fracture; Fragility fracture

Patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures are at increased risk of hip fracture. In a cohort fracture patients, many had previous imaging studies showing incidental fractures. Fifty-four percent were not reported by the radiologist, highlighting missed opportunity for diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, thereby preventing further fragility (VFFs) future fractures, including Treating osteoporosis in these patients has potential to reduce subsequent which associated high morbidity, mortality cost. this retrospective study, we investigated reporting follow-up VFFs evident on radiologists John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Data from local Fracture Liaison Service was used case-find all incident 2013 presenting trust. We then identified who also undergone radiological procedure that included thoracic and/or lumbar spine 6 years. All images re-examined presence using Genant semi-quantitative method. Seven hundred thirty-two over age 50 identified. One fifty-seven previously involving spine, 65/157 (41%). Of these, only 30/65 (46%) radiologist when first visible. 32/35 (91%) unreported non-musculoskeletal radiologists. Only 16/65 (25%) VFF documented as being bone-specific therapy time Our study highlights under-reporting particularly Better systems referring necessary increase number receiving appropriate treatment.