Wanderman, Nathan

Study Design: Narrative review. Objective: This article seeks to provide a narrative review regarding the ability of opportunistic information available from computed tomography (CT) scans to guide decisions in spine surgery related to patient bone quality. Methods: A review of the literature (limited to human and English language) was performed via PubMed and Google Scholar using the search terms; “osteoporosis” AND “opportunistic” AND “computed tomography” AND “spine surgery.” The titles and then abstracts of all identified citations were reviewed for inclusion by 2 of the authors (MS, BAF). Relevant articles were then studied in full text. Results: A review of the literature found 25 articles that were selected for inclusion in this narrative review. These articles were broadly divided into 4 subcategories: (1) opportunistic CT (oCT) and osteoporosis detection, (2) oCT data and the quality of screw fixation, (3) utilization of Hounsfield units to assess clinical and/or radiographic outcomes following spine fusion, and (4) virtual stress testing in spine surgery. Conclusion: The literature on oCT, as well as associated virtual stress-testing techniques, demonstrate the potential to enhance spine surgery outcomes by preoperatively identifying at-risk patients in need of bone health optimization and informing best techniques for performing spinal fusion surgery on patients with diminished bone quality. While our narrative summary of the limited literature to date suggests a promising future for oCT data, significant additional research and/or radiographic workflow standardization is needed to validate these methods for clinical use.

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study of the Own the Bone database which is a fracture liaison service designed to improve recognition and treatment of osteoporosis. Objective. To use the Own the Bone (OTB) database to 1) examine the specific demographics of patients presenting with a low-energy clinical vertebral fracture (VFX) and 2) compare demographic and fracture-specific risk factors between patients with clinical VFX versus patients with nonvertebral low-energy fracture (NVFX). Summary of Background Data. Large database studies have described risk factors for developing VFX. It is well described that a history of previous VFX portends an increased risk of future VFX. Few studies have reported cohorts from a fracture liaison service such as the OTB initiative. Methods. 35,039 unique cases of fragility fracture occurred between 2009 and 2016 and were included in analysis. VFX accounted for 3395 (9.9%) of the presenting fractures at OTB enrollment. The demographics, lifestyle factors, medication use, and fracture-specific data for patients in the OTB registry with vertebral fractures were summarized and then statistically compared to those with nonvertebral fragility fractures. Results. The majority of VFX patients were Caucasian, postmenopausal women (74.4%). There was an increased likelihood of presenting with a vertebral fracture in patients who sustained a previous VFX after the age of 50, while patients who sustained a prior nonvertebral fracture (NVFX) were more likely to present with a subsequent NVFX. After controlling for patients with a history of fracture after the age of 50, VFX patients (vs. NVFX) were more likely to be age 70–79, class 1 obesity, with a history of taking anti-osteoporotic prescription medications. Conclusions. Multiple factors were associated with a significantly increased risk of VFX compared with NVFX. Understanding the risk factors unique to fragility VFX is a critical component for targeting “at-risk” patients and preventing future osteoporosis-related fractures and their consequences. Level of Evidence: 4

Introduction: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common conditions in the United States. The health consequences of low bone density can be dire, from poor surgical outcomes to increased mortality rates following a fracture. Significance: This article highlights the impact low bone density has on spine health in terms of vertebral fragility fractures and its adverse effects on elective spine surgery. It also reviews the clinical importance of bone health assessment and optimization. Results: Vertebral fractures are the most common fragility fractures with significant consequences related to patient morbidity and mortality. Additionally, a vertebral fracture is the best predictor of a subsequent fracture. These fractures constitute sentinel events in osteoporosis that require further evaluation and treatment of the patient’s underlying bone disease. In addition to fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis have deleterious effects on elective spine surgery from screw pullout to fusion rates. Adequate evaluation and treatment of a patient’s underlying bone disease in these situations have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion: With an increased understanding of the prevalence of low bone mass and its consequences as well an understanding of how to identify these patients and appropriately intervene, spine surgeons can effectively decrease the rates of adverse health outcomes related to low bone mass.