Keywords:
Musculoskeletal, Bones, Musculoskeletal spine, CT, Observer performance, Screening, Structured reporting, Osteoporosis, Retrospective, Not applicable, Multicentre study
Authors:
N. Mahmood1, C. Law2, K. Drinkwater3, J. Illes4, J. Griffin3, K. Javaid5, D. Howlett6; 1Sussex /UK, 2East Sussex/UK, 3London/UK, 4Dorset/UK, 5Oxford/UK, 6Eastbourne/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2020/C-09123
Purpose
Vertebral fragility fractures (VFF’s) are a common type of osteoporotic fracture and can be a significant cause of morbidity, increased chronic pain and decreased quality of life in older patients. Patients with such fractures are also at higher risk of hip fractures if not appropriately treated, which contributes significant morbidity and mortality in this population1,2.
Radiologists play a key role in identifying and diagnosing these incidentally. However multiple studies have shown that VFF’s are under-reported despite being clearly identifiable on CT. This may be because the spine is not systematically reviewed where the clinical indication does not require it, or the radiologist may not appreciate the clinical significance of the finding.
Where a fracture is identified, poor communication, or lack of awareness/clarity of referral services may also hinder treatment.
Aims:
The aim of this large retrospective UK wide national audit was to evaluate organisational reporting infrastructure, the radiological reporting of VFF's including compliance with best practice, and awareness of osteoporosis services amongst radiologists