Dynamic Spine Hyperflexion Is Related to Vertebral Compression Fractures in Postmenopausal Women

Objective Previous studies on osteoporotic vertebral fractures are usually based on the neutral posture of spine; however, the fractures are usually associated with the flexion posture of spine. Therefore, we aimed to ascertain the relationship between vertebral compression fractures and thoracolumbar hyperflexion Cobb angles (TLHCobb) and determine the clinical cut-off of the TLHCobb angle. Methods In this retrospective case-control study, TLHCobbs were collected from 154 postmenopausal women (67.45 +/- 6.68 years) with vertebral compression fractures (study group) and 310 postmenopausal women (66.57 +/- 8.22 years) without vertebral compression fractures (control group) from June 2017 to July 2019. Demographic data, clinical data, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) findings were compared between the groups. Chi-squared tests, unpaired t-tests, and Mann Whitney U were used to assess the group characteristics and proportions. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between vertebral compression fractures and TLHCobb. The cut-off of the TLHCobb was determined by ROC curve and Youden's index. Results Fracture prevalence was higher in the higher TLHCobb study group than that in the control group [OR = 2.81 (2.15-3.67)] after adjusting for age, BMI, and QCT findings. TLHCobbs at and >20.05 degrees were associated with an increased fracture prevalence and ORs of 2.79 (1.82-4.27) and 4.83 (3.24-7.20), respectively. TLHCobb, disk height (semiquantitative grading score) and QCT values differed between the study and control groups (p < 0.001 for all three). There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI), or coronal TLCobb between the two groups. Conclusion There was an association between the prevalence of vertebral compression fractures and TLHCobbs in postmenopausal women, and a TLHCobb > 20.05 degrees can be an indicator of vertebral fracture.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the relationship between vertebral compression fractures and thoracolumbar hyperflexion Cobb angles (TLHCobb) and identify the clinical cut-off of TLHCobb angle. The results showed that TLHCobb angles greater than 20.05 degrees were associated with an increased prevalence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.