Prospective height loss is an effective tool to identify patients with vertebral fractures, low bone mineral density, and vitamin D deficiency although a lack of height loss does not rule out these diagnoses. If significant height loss is present, the high positive likelihood ratios support a further workup. Age related height loss occurs due to: Reduced disk hydration Degenerative changes in the spine and other joints Change of spinal contours including scoliosis Rapid height loss: Unexpected, and can be indicative of vertebral fracture with or without accompanying pain.
Many osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures are otherwise asymptomatic or unappreciated and thus undiagnosed. Therefore, height loss is used as a criterion for performing spine imaging. PROVISIONS IN THE GUIDELINES: National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) Clinician’s Guide: To enhance detection of unappreciated…
