Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the novel vertebral bone quality score

Adding Vertebral Bone Quality to the Fusion Risk Score: Does It Improve Predictions of Postoperative Complications?

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

The current study evaluates whether the addition of the Vertebral Bone Quality (VBQ) score to the Fusion Risk Score (FRS) improves its ability to predict perioperative outcomes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The FRS was developed to assess preoperative risk in patients undergoing thoracic and lumbar fusions. It includes patient-derived and surgical variables, but it does not include one that directly accounts for bone health. The VBQ score allows assessment of bone quality and has been shown to correlate to DEXA-measured bone mineral density (BMD) scores.

METHODS

The VBQ score was weighted based on a regression model and then added to the FRS (FRS/VBQ). The ability of the two scores to predict the outcomes was then assessed using the area under the curve (AUC).

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients undergoing elective thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion from January 2019 to June 2020 were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The study evaluated various perioperative adverse outcomes, including major and minor adverse events, discharge other than home, extended length of stay, 90-day emergency department visits, 90-day readmission, and 90-day and 2-year reoperation rates.

RESULTS

A total of 353 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The FRS/VBQ demonstrated improved predictive ability compared with the FRS alone when evaluating 90-day reoperation. Both scores showed fair predictive ability for any adverse event, major adverse events, minor adverse events, and 2-year reoperation rates, with AUCs ranging from 0.700 to 0.737. Both had poor predictive ability for the other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding VBQ to the FRS significantly enhances its predictive accuracy for reoperation rate. This updated risk score provides a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's preoperative risk profile, aiding both patients and physicians in assessing surgical risks and optimizing outcomes through preoperative risk stratification.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Correlations among MRI-based cervical and thoracic vertebral bone quality score, CT-based Hounsfield Unit score, and DEXA t-score in assessment of bone mineral density

BACKGROUND

Further optimization of the validated vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may expand its clinical utility for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. This study evaluated the correlations among cervical and thoracic VBQ scores, the validated Hounsfield Unit (HU) measured on computed tomography (CT), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) values.

METHODS

We retrieved the medical and radiographic records of 165 patients who underwent synchronous MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine, as well as DEXA and CT imaging of the spine obtained within 1 year of each other between 2015 and 2022. Radiographic data consisted of the MRI-based cervical and thoracic VBQ scores, CT-based HU, and DEXA T-scores of the spine and hip. Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity were also obtained.

RESULTS

Mean cervical and thoracic VBQ scores were 3.99 ± 1.68 and 3.82 ± 2.11, respectively. Mean HU and DEXA T-scores of the spine and hip were 135.75 ± 60.36, -1.01 ± 1.15, and -0.47 ± 2.27. All correlations among VBQ, HU, and DEXA were insignificant except for weak correlations between cervical and thoracic VBQ, and cervical VBQ and HU. No correlations were observed between radiographic scores and patient age or BMI. No differences based on ethnicity or sex were observed with respect to cervical or thoracic VBQ, HU, or DEXA.

CONCLUSION

Cervical and thoracic VBQ scores are distinct from Hounsfield Unit and DEXA values. VBQ scoring in the cervical and thoracic spine is not influenced by patient age, ethnicity, sex, or BMI.

Preoperative Assessment of Bone Density Using MRI-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score Modified for Patients Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Diagnostic accuracy study.

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have reported the clinical application of the Vertebral Bone Quality (VBQ) scores for assessing bone density in operative lumbar spine patients. We aim to explore whether the method could be modified and applicable for patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

METHODS

Adult patients receiving cervical spine surgery for degenerative diseases between September 2020 and March 2022 with non-contrast T1-weighted MRI and DEXA were included. Correlation between cervical VBQ scores and DEXA T-scores was analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Student's t test was used to present the discrepancy between the VBQ of patients with normal bone density (T ≥ -1.0) and patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis (T < -1.0). Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients (20 patients with T ≥ -1.0 vs 63 patients with T < -1.0 ) were included. Significant difference was found between the cervical VBQ between groups (2.99 ± .79 vs 3.80 ± .81, P < .001). Interclass correlation coefficient for inter-rater reliability was .82 (95% CI: .70-.93) and .91(95% CI: .84-.97) for intra-rater reliability. The area under the ROC curve was .78 (95% CI: .65-.90). The DEXA T-score of the femoral neck, total hip and the lowest DEXA T-score were found to be significantly correlated with the cervical VBQ score according to Pearson correlation analysis (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to apply the VBQ method to assess the bone density in preoperative cervical spine patients. Cervical VBQ scores were significantly correlated with DEXA T-score. With an overall accuracy of .78, the radiation-free and cost-effective method could be a potential tool for screening patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis before surgery.

Improving Osteoporosis Prediction Using Vertebral Bone Quality Score and Paravertebral Muscle Measurements From Lumbar MRI Scans

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use a novel method of combining vertebral bone quality score with paravertebral cross-sectional area measurements to improve the accuracy of predicting individuals with total hip T-scores <-2.5.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition associated with decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the conventional method for diagnosing osteoporosis, but it has limitations. Opportunistic osteoporosis screening techniques using lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly the vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score, have shown promise. This study aims to improve the accuracy of predicting individuals with low total hip T-scores using a novel method that combines VBQ scores with paravertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 98 patients with DXA and lumbar MRI scans was analyzed. VBQ scores were calculated based on lumbar MRI images, and CSA measurements of paravertebral and psoas muscles were obtained. Threshold-based logistic regression was used to identify optimal thresholds for predicting total hip T-scores <-2.5.

RESULTS

The combined model incorporating the VBQ score and paravertebral muscle percent achieved an accuracy of 96.9% for predicting total hip T-scores <-2.5, compared to 81.6% when using the VBQ score alone. Incorporating paravertebral muscle measurements significantly improved the accuracy of identifying osteoporotic individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of VBQ score and paravertebral muscle measurements enhances the accuracy of predicting individuals with low total hip T-scores. Lumbar MRI scans provide valuable information beyond opportunistic osteoporosis screening, and the inclusion of paravertebral muscle measurements could aid in identifying at-risk individuals more accurately.

Utility of MRI-based vertebral bone quality scores and CT-based Hounsfield unit values in vertebral bone mineral density assessment for patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

This study investigated bone mineral density assessment for patients with DISH. DXA-based T-scores overestimated bone quality, while MRI-based VBQ scores and CT-based HU values provided accurate assessments, particularly for advanced degenerative cases. This enhances accurate evaluation of BMD, crucial for clinical decision-making.

PURPOSE

To investigate the diagnostic effectiveness of DXA, MRI, and CT in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 105 DISH patients and 116 age-matched controls with lumbar spinal stenosis was conducted. BMD was evaluated using DXA-based T-scores, MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores, and CT-based Hounsfield unit (HU) values. Patients were categorized into three BMD subgroups. Lumbar osteophyte categories were determined by Mata score. Demographics, clinical data, T-scores, VBQ scores, and HU values were collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified VBQ and HU thresholds for diagnosing normal BMD using DXA in controls. Correlations between VBQ, HU, and lumbar T-score were analyzed.

RESULTS

Age, gender, and BMI showed no significant differences between DISH and control groups. DISH patients had higher T-score (L1-4), the lowest T-score, and Mata scores. VBQ and HU did not significantly differ between groups. In controls, VBQ and HU effectively diagnosed normal BMD (AUC = 0.857 and 0.910, respectively) with cutoffs of 3.0 for VBQ and 104.3 for HU. DISH had higher normal BMD prevalence using T-scores (69.5% vs. 58.6%, P < 0.05), but no significant differences using VBQ (57.1% vs. 56.2%, P > 0.05) and HU (58.1% vs. 57.8%, P > 0.05). Correlations revealed moderate correlations between HU and T-scores (L1-4) in DISH (r = 0.642, P < 0.001) and strong in controls (r = 0.846, P < 0.001). Moderate negative correlations were observed between VBQ and T-scores (L1-4) in DISH (r =  - 0.450, P < 0.001) and strong in controls (r =  - 0.813, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DXA-based T-scores may overestimate BMD in DISH. VBQ scores and HU values could effectively complement BMD assessment, particularly in DISH patients or those with advanced lumbar degeneration.

Association Between Vertebral Bone Quality Score and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry for the Assessment of Bone Mineral Density in Adolescent Patients

BACKGROUND

The MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score is an assessment tool for bone mineral density (BMD) that has been validated in adults against the clinical standard of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, VBQ has yet to be validated against DEXA for use in adolescents. This study evaluated the associations between adolescent VBQ scores, DEXA Z-scores, and BMD values.

METHODS

The radiographic records of 63 consecutive patients between the ages of 11 and 21 who underwent MRI of the abdomen and pelvis and DEXA of the spine and hip were retrieved. The collected radiographic data consisted of the MRI-based VBQ score, DEXA Z-score, and BMD values of the femoral neck, L1-4 vertebrae, and total body. The VBQ score was calculated by taking the median signal intensity (MSI) from L1-L4 and the SI of the L3 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The VBQ score was derived as the quotient of MSIL1-L4 divided by SICSF.

RESULTS

A mean VBQ score of 2.41 ± 0.29 was observed. Strong correlations of -0.749 (p<0.0001) and -0.780 (p<0.0001) were detected between the VBQ score and DEXA femoral neck and spine Z-scores, respectively. Correlations between VBQ score and DEXA femoral neck, spine, and total body BMD scores were -0.559 (p<0.0001), -0.611 (p<0.0001), and -0.516 (p<.0001), respectively. No significant correlations were found between the VBQ score and age, BMI, weight, or height. A mean difference in VBQ score of -0.155 (p=0.035) was observed between sexes. VBQ demonstrated moderate predictive ability for DEXA-derived Z-scores and BMD scores.

CONCLUSIONS

VBQ scores were strongly correlated with DEXA Z-scores and moderately correlated with BMD values. The VBQ score can also be used by adolescent patients as an accessory tool to assess bone health.

MRI-based vertebral bone quality score: relationship with age and reproducibility

Vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score is an opportunistic measure of bone mineral density using routine preoperative MRI in spine surgery. VBQ score positively correlates with age and is reproducible across serial scans. However, extrinsic factors, including MRI machine and protocol, affect the VBQ score and must be standardized.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to determine whether VBQ score increased with age and whether VBQ remained consistent across serial MRI studies obtained within 3 months.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 136 patients, age 20-69, who received two T1-weighted lumbar MRI within 3 months of each other between January 2011 and December 2021. VBQ(L1-4) score was calculated as the quotient of L1-L4 signal intensity (SI) and L3 cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) SI. VBQ(L1) score was calculated as the quotient of L1 SI and L1 CSF SI. Regression analysis was performed to determine correlation of VBQ(L1-4) score with age. Coefficient of variation (CV) was used to determine reproducibility between VBQ(L1-4) scores from serial MRI scans.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six patients (mean ± SD age 44.9 ± 12.5 years; 53.7% female) were included in this study. Extrinsic factors affecting the VBQ score included patient age, MRI relaxation time, and specific MRI machine. When controlling for MRI relaxation/echo time, the VBQ(L1-4) score was positively correlated with age and had excellent reproducibility in serial MRI with CV of 0.169. There was excellent agreement (ICC > 0.9) of VBQ scores derived from the two formulas, VBQ(L1) and VBQ(L1-4).

CONCLUSION

Extrinsic factors, including MRI technical factors and age, can impact the VBQ(L1-4) score and must be considered when using this tool to estimate bone mineral density (BMD). VBQ(L1-4) score was positively correlated with age. Reproducibility of the VBQ(L1-4) score across serial MRI is excellent especially when controlling for technical factors, supporting use of the VBQ score in estimating BMD. The VBQ(L1) score was a reliable alternative to the VBQ(L1-4) score.

Correlation between MRI-based spinal muscle parameters and the vertebral bone quality score in lumbar fusion patients

Introduction

The vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score that is based on non-contrast enhanced T1-weighted MRI was recently introduced as a novel measure of bone quality in the lumbar spine and shown to be a significant predictor of healthy versus osteopenic/osteoporotic bone.

Research question

This study aimed to assess possible correlations between the VBQ score and the functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) of psoas and lumbar spine extensor muscles.

Material and methods

Patients who underwent fusion surgery between 2014 and 2017 and had lumbar MRI and CT scans within 6 months prior to surgery were included. The FCSA was assessed at L3-L5 using a pixel intensity threshold method. The VBQ score was calculated by dividing the signal intensity (SI) of the vertebrae L1-L4 through the SI of the cerebrospinal fluid at L3. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was assessed by quantitative CT.

Results

80 patients (58.8% female, median age 68.8 years) were included. Overall prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis was 66.3%, with no significant differences between men and women. The mean (SD) VBQ score was significantly smaller in men, at 2.26 (0.45) versus women at 2.59 (0.39) (p = 0.001). After adjusting for age and BMI, a significant negative correlation was seen between the VBQ score and psoas FCSA at L3 (β = -0.373; p = 0.022), but only in men.

Conclusion

Our results highlight sex differences in the VBQ score that were not demonstrated by vBMD and suggest a potential role of this novel measure to assess not only bone quality, but also spinal muscle quantity.

Comparison of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebral bone quality scores for increased utility of bone mineral density screening

PURPOSE

To evaluate the associations among the validated lumbar vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score, and cervical and thoracic VBQ scores.

METHODS

Radiographic records of 100 patients who underwent synchronous MRI of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine were retrieved. DEXA-validated lumbar VBQ was calculated using median signal intensity (MSI) of the L1-L4 vertebrae and L3 CSF. VBQ was derived as the quotient of MSI_L1-L4 divided by MSI_CSF. Cervical and thoracic VBQ were similarly obtained using C3-C6 and C5 CSF, and T5-T8 and T7 CSF, respectively. Paired sample t-tests were used to evaluate differences among regional VBQ scores. Independent sample t-tests were used to identify sex differences in VBQ. Regression models with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were constructed to identify associations among all permutations of anthropometric and regional VBQ measures.

RESULTS

Mean cervical, thoracic, and lumbar VBQ scores were 3.06 ± 0.89, 2.60 ± 0.77, and 2.47 ± 0.61, respectively. Mean differences of .127 (p = 0.045) and - 0.595 (p < 0.001) were observed between thoracic and lumbar, and cervical and lumbar VBQ scores. Correlations of 0.324, 0.356, and 0.600 (p < 0.001) were found between cervical and lumbar, cervical and thoracic, and thoracic and lumbar VBQ scores. Regression with ANOVA predicting lumbar VBQ in relation to cervical and thoracic VBQ demonstrated R Square values of 0.105 and 0.360 (p < 0.001), and β coefficient values of 0.471 and 0.217 (p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic VBQ provides values representative of the validated lumbar VBQ score. Cervical VBQ scores are distinct from lumbar VBQ scores and do not provide adequate surrogate values of lumbar VBQ.

Bone quality in patients with osteoporosis undergoing lumbar fusion surgery: analysis of the MRI-based vertebral bone quality score and the bone microstructure derived from microcomputed tomography

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Osteoporosis is a risk factor for instrumentation failure in spine surgery. Bone strength is commonly assessed by bone mineral density (BMD) as a surrogate marker. However, BMD represents only a portion of bone strength and does not capture the qualitative dimensions of bone. Recently, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score was introduced as a novel marker of bone quality. However, it is still unclear if the VBQ score correlates with in-vivo bone microstructure.

PURPOSE

The aims of the study were (1) to demonstrate differences in MRI-based (VBQ) and in-vivo (microcomputed tomography; μCT) bone quality between osteopenic/osteoporotic and normal bone, (2) to show the correlation between VBQ, bone microstructure and volumetric BMD (vBMD), and (3) to determine the predictive value of the VBQ score for the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

267 patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion surgery from 2014 to 2021 at a single academic institution. Bone biopsies were harvested intraoperatively in 118 patients.

OUTCOME MEASURES

VBMD, VBQ score, and bone microstructure parameters derived from μCT.

METHODS

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measurements were performed at the lumbar spine and the L1/L2 average was used to categorize patients with a vBMD ≤120mg/cm³ as osteopenic/osteoporotic. The VBQ score was determined by dividing the median signal intensity of the L1-L4 vertebrae by the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid using sagittal T1-weighted MRI scans. Intraoperative bone biopsies from the posterior superior iliac spine were obtained and evaluated with μCT. VBQ scores and μCT parameters were compared between the normal and the osteopenic/osteoporotic group. Correlations between VBQ score, μCT parameters and vBMD were assessed with Spearman's correlation (ρ). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the VBQ score as a predictor for osteopenia/osteoporosis. Multiple linear regression analysis with vBMD L1/L2 as outcome was used to identify independent predictors from VBQ, μCT parameters and demographics.

RESULTS

267 patients (55.8% female, age 63.3 years, BMI 29.7 kg/m²; n=118 with bone biopsy) with a prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis of 65.2% were analyzed. In the osteopenic/osteoporotic group the VBQ score, structured model index (SMI), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were significantly higher, whereas bone volume fraction (BV/TV), connectivity density (Conn.D) and trabecular number (Tb.N) were significantly lower. There were significant correlations between VBQ and μCT parameters ranging from ρ=-.387 to ρ=0.314 as well as between vBMD and μCT parameters ranging from ρ=-.425 to ρ=.421, and vBMD and VBQ (ρ=-.300, p<.001). ROC analysis discriminated osteopenia/osteoporosis with a sensitivity of 84.7% and a specificity of 40.6% at a VBQ score threshold value of 2.18. Age, BV/TV and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), but not VBQ, were significant independent predictors for vBMD (corrected R²=0.434).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated for the first time that the VBQ score is associated with trabecular microstructure determined by μCT. The bone microstructure and VBQ score were significantly different in patients with impaired vBMD. However, the ability to predict osteopenia/osteoporosis with the VBQ score was moderate. The VBQ score appears to reflect additional bone quality characteristics and might have a complementary role to vBMD. This enhances our understanding of the biological background of the radiographic VBQ score and might be a take-off point to evaluate the clinical utility of it as non-invasive screening tool for bone quality.

A spectral CT-based nomogram for predicting the response to induction chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

AIM

To establish a spectral computed tomography (CT)-based nomogram for predicting the response to induction chemotherapy (ICT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients with NPC who underwent spectral CT examination before ICT were enrolled prospectively. Patients were assigned to response and non-response groups according to response evaluation. The predictive indicators were spectral CT parameters of venous phase, including iodine concentration (IC), normalised IC (NIC), slope of the spectral attenuation curve in Hounsfield units (λHU), effective atomic number (Eff-Z), and water concentration. Multivariate logistic regression was used to construct a predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves were used to evaluate the robustness of model, while the bootstrap method was used for internal validation. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to test the goodness of fit of the discriminant model.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NIC, λHU, and Eff-Z were the potential predictors, and the three indicators were further used to establish a predictive model. The nomogram was evaluated to have good predictive performance, the area under the ROC curve was 0.909 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.799-0.970), and the model was well calibrated (χ² = 8.149, p=0.419).

CONCLUSIONS

The spectral CT nomogram has potential clinical value in predicting response to ICT in NPC and may help guide individualised treatment decisions.