Chart 5. Indication of thoracolumbar radiography for the diagnosis of vertebral fractures in asymptomatic women.

Low impact trauma fracture after 50 years

Prolonged treatment with corticosteroids

Loss of historical height a ≥ 4 cm or prospective height b ≥ 2 cm

Age greater than 70 years if spine, femoral neck or total femur BMD T-score ≤ -1.0 c

Age between 65 and 69 years old if the spine, femoral neck or total femur BMD T-score ≤ -1.5 c

BMD: bone densitometry

^a Current height compared to the greatest height during adulthood. ^b Cumulative height loss measured between medical consultation intervals. ^c If bone densitometry is unavailable, radiography may be considered based on age alone.

Source: Cosman et al. 28