[Vertebral deformities and bone density in the elderly; the ERGO Study (Erasmus Rotterdam Health and the Elderly). ERGO Study Group].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of vertebral deformities in men and women aged 55 years and over.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A quarter in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

METHODS

As part of the 'Rotterdam elderly study', 750 responding men and 750 women underwent lateral radiography of the spine and subsequent morphometry of the vertebrae to detect presence of vertebral deformities. Grade 1 and grade 2 deformities were scored on the basis of the results of the morphometry. The entire vertebral column was classified as normal (no deformities), moderate spinal deformity (grade 1 deformities) or severe spinal deformity (grade 2 deformities). Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate or severe spinal deformity was estimated to be 18% in men (12% moderate and 6% severe) and 22% in women (11% moderate and 11% severe) after adjustment for the present age distribution of the Dutch population. The prevalence of deformities increased with age, in particular for severe deformities in women aged 70 years and over. A decreasing BMD was observed with increasing severity of vertebral deformities. Men with severe spinal deformity had a 4% lower BMD whereas women with severe spinal deformity had a 6% lower BMD.

CONCLUSION

Vertebral deformities are frequently present in the general population, mostly in the higher age groups. There was an association with decreased BMD. In view of the ongoing aging of the population, a future increase in the prevalence of vertebral deformities is to be expected.