title: Definition and diagnosis of vertebral fracture.
abstract: The majority of vertebral deformities are asymptomatic and thus definition is normally based on radiographic appearance. There are no internationally agreed criteria for vertebral fracture based on radiographic appearance. A variety of morphometric methods have been developed to ascertain changes in vertebral shape based on a reduction in vertebral height. Criteria have to be established to determine what cutoff constitutes abnormality. An alternative is to adopt a semiquantitative grading using clinical observations of a experienced radiologist. This approach enhances specificity by excluding nonosteoporotic causes of changing vertebral shape. Such methods, however, may be subject to difficulties in standardization.
authors.affiliation: ARC Epidemiology Research Unit, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Silman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology