Calcium Pros and Cons--Which method is useful for diagnosis of vertebral body fracture; radiograph or MRI?--X-ray examination is not enough for diagnosis of fresh vertebral body fractures
Nakano, T.
Clinical Calcium 21(11): 131-135
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0917-5857 PMID: 22040830 Document Number: 649573
The vertebral fractures of the elderly people are correctly diagnosed about 60% of the time if the X-ray is the only one used for diagnosis.The additional physical examination increases the rate dramatically, but it does not help locate the fracture.The follow-up X-ray examination increases the rate ; it becomes, however, too late to start an effective treatment. MRI is the best tool for the accurate diagnosis in the early stage.