Morphometric vertebral fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, physical function and quality of life in men.
The epidemiology and sequelae of morphometric vertebral fracture (MVF) are poorly documented. We found that MVFs of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine were associated with poor quality of life and impaired physical function in men. We recommend that morphometric X-ray absorptiometry be included in routine requests for bone densitometry.


BACKGROUND
Vertebral fractures are sentinel events for osteoporosis. We aimed to compare quality of life and physical function in men with and without MVF.


METHODS
Using morphometric X-ray absorptiometry (T10-L4), MVFs were identified in a random sample of men aged 20-93 years. Moderate and severe wedge, biconcave or compression deformities (>25% reduction in any vertebral height) were classified as MVFs.


RESULTS
Of 1,147 men, MVFs were identified in 64. No MVFs were detected for men in their twenties. Prevalence was 1.5% for 30-39 years, 1.4% 40-49 years, 3.2% 50-59 years, 4.7% 60-69 years, 10.0% 70-79 years and 14.6% 80+ years. Among 555 men aged 60+ years, those with MVFs were twice as likely to have quality of life scores in the lowest tertile (age-adjusted OR = 2.35, 95%CI 1.24-4.45). MVFs were associated with lower mean age-adjusted physical activity scores [11.3 (95%CI 9.0-13.8) vs 14.0 (13.2-14.9), P = 0.04] and longer mean age-adjusted 'Up-&-Go' times [9.5 (8.9, 10.1) vs 8.9 (8.8, 9.1) s, P = 0.06].


CONCLUSIONS
Despite most men being unaware of their condition, MVFs were associated with poor quality of life and impaired physical function. We recommend that morphometric X-ray absorptiometry be included in routine requests for bone densitometry because detection of MVFs has important implications for osteoporosis management in men.
Pasco
J A
JA
Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences: Barwon Health, The University of Melbourne, Geelong, Australia. juliep@barwonhealth.org.au
Henry
M J
MJ
Korn
S
S
Nicholson
G C
GC
Kotowicz
M A
MA
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001827:Body Height; D015519:Bone Density; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult