vertebral geometry parameters can predict fractures

background: the aim of this study was to investigate vertebral geometry changes and determine cutoff value of vertebral height to predict fractures. methods: in a cross-sectional study, 280 postmenopausal women recruited .in all subjects bone mineral density and radiog raphy of the lumbar spine performed. lateral radiographs were evaluated for identification of vertebral fractures, using a validated semiquantitative method. t-score of vertebral height was calculated based on data extracted from iranian multi center osteoporosis study. roc curve used to determine cut off value of vertebral height t-score to predict fractures. results: the mean of age and bmi were 55.34±8.7 years and 27.73±5 kg/m2, respectively. among osteoporotic women, 59.8% had one or more vertebral fractures and 23.8% had at least 2 fractures. in fracture group the t-score of spine and femur bmd was lower than the others. the mean of vertebral height in women without fractures was 12.94±0.6 cm, and in the patient with 4 or more fractures was12.3, thus every fracture accompany with 1.2% decreases in the height of vertebrae. the prevalence of vertebral fracture in osteoporotic patients was 71.4% and in healthy cases 39.5%. better estimation of vertebral height t score in roc curve was less than -0.7.the sensitivity and specificity of the cut off value were 81.3% and 52.9%, respectively. conclusion: vertebral fractures are common fractures in postmenopausal women. there was a correlation between verte bral height and fractures. vertebral geometric parameters especially height t score can be used for fracture screening.