Vertebral body index and bone mineral density in women with spinal fractures: 66 probands compared with controls

Abstract

The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 61 women with compression fractures of the spine and 66 normal pre-menopausal women. Radiographs of the lateral spine were also obtained and the vertebral body index (VBI) was measured in the region L2-L4. Women with spinal fractures had lower BMD and VBI values. Using both BMD and VBI, 3 regions of fracture risk were defined. All but 2 of the fracture patients were in the moderate- or high-risk region for fracture.