VERTEBRAL MORPHOMETRY (VFA): CLINICAL UTILITY OF THE VERTEBRAL FRACTURE ASSESSMENT BY DUALENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY

Abstract

Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures. They can be asymptomatic, without recognizable trauma. Assessment of vertebral fracture by dual-energy Xray absorptiometry, known as vertebral morphometry or vertebral fracture assessment (VFA), provides an image of the thoracic and lumbar spine for the purpose of detecting vertebral fracture deformities. VFA has important advantages over other imaging methods: smaller doses of radiation, low cost and high availability. Moreover VFA offers point-of- service convenience for the patient when it is performed during the same visit for densitometry. Identification of previously undetected vertebral fractures would allow performing accurate diagnosis, improving fracture risk stratification, and identifying patients likely to benefit from pharmacological therapy.