What is the best estimate for the proportion of vertebral fractures that present clinically with back pain, as seen in this patient?

A 77-year-old woman presented with acute severe pain in the mid-thoracic spine after lifting a heavy bag of shopping. She had reported losing 6 cm in height over the preceding 5 years.

On examination, she was of slight build and experienced difficulty rising from a chair. There was tenderness in the region of T9/10.

Investigations:

plain thoracic X-ray of spinewedge fracture of T10

DXA scanT score C2.7 at L1CL4 and C2.3 at

the left total hip

What is the best estimate for the proportion of vertebral fractures that present clinically with back pain, as seen in this patient?
A . <1%
B . 5%
C . 25%
D . 60%
E . 90%

View Answer

Answer: C