We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBETECH PUBLISHING LLC

Download Mobile App




Simple X-Ray Method Can Diagnose Vertebral Compression and Prevent Spinal Fractures

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 29 Jun 2022
Print article
Image: Spinal fractures in the elderly are preventable with simple X-rays (Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Image: Spinal fractures in the elderly are preventable with simple X-rays (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

Vertebral compression means that the spine is compressed, causing a fracture in one of the vertebrae. Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur easily in people with osteoporosis and are very common among older people. However, the majority are unaware that these are causing their back pain – only one in three is diagnosed. Now, new research suggests that a simple X-ray method should be introduced as a routine procedure in healthcare so that more elderly patients can be diagnosed and given the most efficacious drugs.

A thesis by researchers at the University of Gothenburg (Gothenburg, Sweden) shows that VFA is of great clinical benefit, and the results suggest that the method should be introduced as a routine procedure in Swedish health care. Vertebral compressions do not necessarily result in distinct symptoms. Imaging is needed to detect these spinal fractures. If more people were diagnosed, many fractures, much suffering and heavy costs could be avoided.

In Sweden, efforts to prevent fractures in older people vary. In some regions, but not all, there are established “fracture liaison services,” as they are known in Sweden. These ensure that investigations of fractures are structured in a way that greatly reduces the risk of repeat fractures. When elderly patients have suffered fractures, their hip and lumbar spine bone density is examined with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method, to find out if they need treatment for osteoporosis. DXA can then also be used to get a side view of the chest and lumbar spine, with a method called vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), in which the height of the vertebrae is analyzed.

“The VFA method provides a very low radiation dose, and it’s fast, cheap, simple, and effective in finding vertebral compressions. It’s a valuable method for diagnosing relevant compressions, and significantly improves fracture risk assessment in older women,” said Lisa Johansson, doctoral student at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, who authored the thesis.

Related Links:
University of Gothenburg 

Computed Tomography System
Aquilion ONE / INSIGHT Edition
Ultrasound Imaging System
P12 Elite
New
Specimen Radiography System
Trident HD
Multi-Use Ultrasound Table
Clinton

Print article

Channels

MRI

view channel
Image: Comparison showing 3T and 7T scans for the same participant (Photo courtesy of P Simon Jones/University of Cambridge)

Ultra-Powerful MRI Scans Enable Life-Changing Surgery in Treatment-Resistant Epileptic Patients

Approximately 360,000 individuals in the UK suffer from focal epilepsy, a condition in which seizures spread from one part of the brain. Around a third of these patients experience persistent seizures... Read more

Ultrasound

view channel
Image: Oloid-shaped magnetic endoscope (Photo courtesy of STORM Lab/University of Leeds)

Tiny Magnetic Robot Takes 3D Scans from Deep Within Body

Colorectal cancer ranks as one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, when detected early, it is highly treatable. Now, a new minimally invasive technique could significantly... Read more

Imaging IT

view channel
Image: The new Medical Imaging Suite makes healthcare imaging data more accessible, interoperable and useful (Photo courtesy of Google Cloud)

New Google Cloud Medical Imaging Suite Makes Imaging Healthcare Data More Accessible

Medical imaging is a critical tool used to diagnose patients, and there are billions of medical images scanned globally each year. Imaging data accounts for about 90% of all healthcare data1 and, until... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.