RESUMEN

We evaluated the role of bone scintigraphy in 60 osteoporotic patients with back pain. Thirty-four had scintigraphic evidence of vertebral fracture and were found to have a significantly lower bone density compared to those without fractures (p = 0.01). In only 14 patients was vertebral fracture considered to be the sole cause of pain with 38 having alternative abnormalities, the most common of which was facet joint disease (n = 30). Results of bone scintigraphy influenced a direct change in management in 18 patients and were able to exclude vertebral fracture as a cause of symptoms in 30. In symptomatic osteoporotic patients the bone scan may be helpful in elucidating the etiology of back pain and can impact on patient management.

Asunto(s)

Dolor de Espalda/diagnóstico por imagen , Osteoporosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada de Emisión de Fotón Único , Dolor de Espalda/etiología , Densidad Ósea , Cuello Femoral/diagnóstico por imagen , Humanos , Vértebras Lumbares/diagnóstico por imagen , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteoporosis/complicaciones , Radiofármacos , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/etiología , Medronato de Tecnecio Tc 99m