AB192. SOH26AB_0052. Radiology reporting of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs)
Radiology Posters

AB192. SOH26AB_0052. Radiology reporting of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs)

Robert Gilligan, Patrick Kiely

Department of Radiology, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Background: The primary objective was to improve departmental recognition and reporting of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs). The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has outlined five key standards to aid this process: radiologists should assess and comment on bone integrity in all reports (target: 100%). Moderate and severe VFFs (height loss of at least 25% or more) should be correctly identified (target: 90%). Correct terminology should be used when reporting VFFs (target: 100%). Reports should include appropriate recommendations for further assessment when VFFs are identified (target: 100%). A local policy should be established to ensure consistency in identifying and reporting VFFs.

Methods: A retrospective review of 100 randomly selected computed tomography (CT) thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (TAP) scans for patients over 70 years of age was conducted using the Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS). Two radiologists assessed the scans against the established standards. A 3-month period was chosen in 2024. These CT TAP examinations were assessed against the above standards, set out by the RCR.

Results: Among the 100 CT TAP scans reviewed, five new moderate or severe VFFs were identified, with only two correctly reported and a further 13 chronic fractures reidentified (83% compliance with standard 2, below the 90% target). The majority of identified VFFs were chronic. Correct terminology was used in both correctly identified cases (40% compliance with standard 3). None of the identified cases included recommendations for further assessment (0% compliance with standard 4). Bone integrity was documented in three cases (60% compliance with standard 1).

Conclusions: This audit highlights the need for increased awareness and consistency in reporting VFFs. Implementing these recommendations will help enhance patient care and reduce future fracture risk.

Keywords: Fracture; education; osteoporosis; radiology; vertebral fragility fracture (VFF)

Acknowledgments

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Footnote

Funding: None.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/map-26-ab192
Cite this abstract as: Gilligan R, Kiely P. AB192. SOH26AB_0052. Radiology reporting of vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs). Mesentery Peritoneum 2026;10:AB192.

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