England-based Merton College, University of Oxford researchers investigated how well radiologists report vertebral fragility fractures, according to Medscape.
Researchers leveraged U.K. local Fracture Liaison Service data to identify 157 patients who went to Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust with a hip fracture in 2013. All patients received spine imaging (CT scan, MRI or plain film) in the previous five years.
Archives of Osteoporosis published the study.
Here are four things to know:
1. Researchers discovered 41 percent of the patients presented detectable VFFs on their spinal imaging before suffering hip fractures. Of those detectable VFFs, radiologists only reported 46 percent as fractured.
2. While musculoskeletal radiologist reported VFFs on first imaging, only 14 percent non-musculoskeletal radiologists identified the VFFs.
3. Based on fracture grade, radiologists reported 7 percent of grade 1 fractures (least severe); 68 percent of grade 2; and 75 percent of grade 3.
4. Researchers concluded providers miss chances to treat patient with osteoporosis to prevent additional fractures.