Background/Purpose: The high rates of readmission among patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture have reduced quality of life and increased mortality. This study aimed to determine predictors of readmission in such patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: This study reviewed records of osteoporosis patients with acute vertebral fractures proven by MRI between 2004 and 2007 for pre-operative MRI, subsequent readmission, and possible factors that increase readmission within two years. Clinical information like co-morbidities, previous hip fracture, and number of vertebral fractures were recorded. Primary outcome was readmission (within two years of discharge). Predictor variables were categorized and compared between readmissions and non-readmissions. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.

Results: There were 106 patients with MRI-proven acute vertebral fractures who underwent vertebroplasty, including 33 with readmission within two years. There were no differences in age, BMI, sex, number of vertebral fracture, and underlying co-morbidities between readmissions and non-readmissions. However, the MRI signal intensity (SI) at the non-enhancement area parameter was different between the two groups (70.97±66.51 vs. 108.62±98.31; p=0.008). After adjusting for potential confounders, those with higher SI at the non-enhancement area had lower readmission risk (p=0.005; OR: 0.984, 95% CI: 0.973-0.995).

Conclusion: Pre-operative MRI may be predictive of readmission in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Recognizing the need to optimize primary and secondary prevention in these patients to improve quality of life is mandatory.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/pre-operative-magnetic-resonance-imaging-can-help-in-predicting-two-year-readmission-in-acute-severe-osteoporotic-vertebral-fracture-after-vertebroplasty/