Compression fracture monitoring

[LM100]

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in late 2021 then a MRI found 2 spinal compression fractures (I had minimal symptoms) so I started on zoledronic acid in early 2022.

I am now at the stage of the 3-year check. I had my DEXA about 2 weeks ago but today I was sent an appointment for an x-ray. I was definitely told by the registrar I spoke to after my fractures had been found that they do not re-scan to check on compression fractures. Is this correct? Is this x-ray their way of monitoring the compression fractures or is there something on my DEXA that indicates it is necessary? Does anyone have regular MRIs to check on their compression fractures?

Thanks

[CinnamonRose]

Are you due to see a consultant? I always have a standing x-ray before seeing him.It could well be that the DEXA scan has shown up something they need to double check.

My bones don't like healing so I think that's why I have them, you could always ask, they're usually happy to tell you why xx

[LM100 in reply to CinnamonRose]

Thank you, my letter came through the hospital electronic portal today as well as the appointment letter. Looks as though they need to check something at L1 (although I had an anomaly there that wasn't a fracture when they looked 3 years ago).

[CinnamonRose in reply to LM100]

Ahh good, at least that answers your question, It's a blighter this Osteoporosis - to put it mildly!!!!

[Sunseaandsand]

Hi, it is possible the dexa has shown a change in the spine suggestive of a new fracture.

My consultants have always asked for an x ray after my dexa if a new fracture is suspected. x

[LM100]

Thanks, I now have some paperwork to suggest that, although having dug out older letters, I think they are looking at an existing fracture. At least bone density is as it was 3 years ago. I am hoping they might just monitor me for the next 3 years without the infusions.

[Sunseaandsand]

Just wanted to add to your question that, no the Dexa is not done to check on any fractures.

It is to be able to monitor improvements made by the treatments a patient is having they can tell if the treatment is working or not. x

[LM100]

They did do an additional scan from the side after the DEXA (using the same machine), which the radiographer said was different. I think it was a VFA ('Vertebral Fracture Assessment, a low-dose x-ray examination of the spine to screen for vertebral fractures that is performed on the DXA machine').