| Summary: | Purpose: This study aimed to assess the adequacy of using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for evaluating lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and T-scores in patients with vertebral fragility fractures, without considering thoracic and lumbar X-ray images.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study. Data collected included age, lumbar BMD measure-ments, T-scores, fracture classifications, locations, number of fractures, and radiological artifacts. Patients were grouped based on osteoporosis criteria and the presence of artifacts.
Results: Out of 5,393 files, 176 patients with vertebral fractures were analyzed. The osteoporosis group had significantly lower L1-L4 T-scores and total BMD values (p<0.001). Radiological artifacts were more common in the non-osteoporotic group (p<0.001). Fractures were more frequent in the thoracic region for the osteoporosis group, while lumbar fractures were more common in the non osteoporotic group (p=0.027). There was no difference in fracture severity between the groups (p=0.093). In patients with and without radiologic artifacts, the L1-L4 BMD values and T scores did not differ in age groups (p=0.169 ve p=0.452, p=0.980 ve p=0.993).
Conclusion: Evaluating lumbar BMD alone is insufficient for post-menopausal vertebral fracture patients. A standardized approach is needed, and further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
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