Method of Kleerekoper et al for Assessment of Vertebral Fractures in Osteoporosis

 

Method:

(1) Lateral X-rays of the spine with a focus film distance 105 cm

(2) X-ray beam for thoracic spine centered over T8 and for lumbar spine centered over L3

(3) heights evaluated: anterior, middle, posterior

 

Vertebrae assessed:

(1) T4

(2) T5

(3) T6

(4) T7

(5) T8

(6) T9

(7) T10

(8) T11

(9) T12

(10) L1

(11) L2

(12) L3

(13) L4

(14) L5

Findings in Each Vertebra	Points
normal	0
end plate deformity; middle height < 85% of expected	1
anterior wedge fracture; anterior height < 85% of expected	2
compression fracture; all heights < 85% of expected	3

 

total score =

= SUM(points for all 14 vertebrae)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum total score: 0 (normal)

• maximum total score: 42 (all 14 vertebrae show compression fractures)

• The higher the score the greater the impact of osteoporosis.