Asian Spine J.
2011 Jun;5(2):107-110. 10.4184/asj.2011.5.2.107.
Are We Missing Osteoporosis-Related Vertebral Fractures in Men?
- Affiliations
-
- 1Osteoporosis Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. drsadat@hotmail.com
- 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, University of Dammam College of Medicine, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
- 3Department of Radiology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, University of Dammam College of Medicine, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
- 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, University of Dammam College of Medicine, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
- 5Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, University of Dammam College of Medicine, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
- KMID: 1444942
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2011.5.2.107
Abstract
- STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of osteoporosis related spinal fractures among Saudi Arabian males.
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Vertebral fractures are the most common complication of osteoporosis and is the first sign in both sexes and only 25 to 30% of radiographically observed vertebral deformities are recognized.
METHODS
We analyzed the chest radiographs of consecutive Saudi Arabian men > or = 50 years and who visited the emergency room of King Fahd University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia for a period of 12 months between November 1, 2007 and October 31, 2008. The site and type of fractures were classified as per the semi-quantitative technique. The other data retrieved from the medical records of patients included medications and clinical investigations for osteoporosis.
RESULTS
Nine hundred seventy chest radiographs were performed during the study period and 876 radiographs could be analyzed. One hundred fifteen patients (13.1%) had 157 fractures. The mean age was 67.85 +/- 10.1 years. There was more than one fracture in 21 patients (18.2%). The majority of fractures (n = 102, 64.9%) were observed in thoracic spine. Seventy-one (45.2%) fractures were classified as mild, 54 (34.4%) were moderate and 32 (20.4%) were severe. For 26 (22.6%) patients, the report of the radiologist highlighted the fracture.
CONCLUSIONS
Saudi Arabian males with osteoporosis continue to be missed despite the high prevalence osteoporosis leading to vertebral fractures. We believe it is important for physicians to identify vertebral fractures early and treat then appropriately before an extremity fracture occurs with high mortality.
- Full Text Links
-
- Actions
-
Cited
- CITED
-
- Close
- Share
-
- Similar articles
-
- Pregnancy and Lactation-associated Osteoporosis with Vertebral Compression Fracture
- Management of glucocorticoid-related osteoporotic vertebral fracture
- The Effect of Disc Degeneration in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
- New Era of Treatment of Osteoporotic Spine Fracture for Nonorthopaedic Doctor
- Radiographic Diagnosis of the Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures
