Association of lumbar fractures, abdominal aortic calcification, and osteopenia

PurposeThe purpose was to assess if abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and low bone mineral density (BMD) are associated with fractures on lumbar spine radiographs in trauma patients.MethodsRetrospectively, 303 consecutive lumbar radiographs were independently reviewed by two radiologists for AAC, low BMD, and traumatic findings.ResultsThirty-one percent of patients had low BMD, 34% had AAC, and 24% had both. Eleven percent of radiographs showed traumatic findings. Seventy-six percent of positive cases had low BMD (P< .001), and 64% had AAC (P< .001).ConclusionA higher index of suspicion for fractures is warranted when AAC and low BMD are present.