Spine fractures in population selection of persons of 50 years and older

The incidence of spine fractures was studied in population selection of 50 years old persons and older. The study was conducted as a part of the European Program on Spine Osteoporosis. There were 521 patients (221 men,300 women) aged 50 years and older. The fractures were evaluated by lateral radiograms of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Morphologic analysis of the main heights of T4 -L4 with the estimation of the vertebral deformity indices were carried out. Fractures were evaluated using 25% level by Felsenberg. In 414 patients (173 men,241 women) morphometric analysis of radiograms was performed. The rate of spine fractures was 11,8% (14.5% - in men,10.0% - in women, with no statistically significant differences). Wedged fractures were the most frequent ones (13.3% in men,12.4% - in women), then pressed fractures (3.5% in men,5.8% in women) and compressed ones (4.0% in men,0.4% in women) with statistically significant prevalence in men (p < 0.05). This study is the first work in Russia related to the incidence of spine fractures in population selection of 50 years and older persons who are at risk of osteochondrosis development.