Vertebral Fracture

Vertebral Fracture Recognition Course

This advanced densitometry course focuses on how vertebral fracture imaging advances the diagnosis and treatment of patients at risk of osteoporotic fractures. It emphasizes the importance of vertebral fractures in the clinical management of osteoporosis, including recognition on lateral spine images of a normal spine, vertebral fractures and other findings that may be confused with vertebral fractures.  Fracture recognition, analysis and best-practice patient positioning are detailed to ensure ideal image acquisition, interpretation and reporting.

Target Audience:
The content is designed for healthcare providers responsible for reading and interpreting DXA scans, including specialists and generalists working in family medicine, general and internal medicine, rheumatology, endocrinology, obstetrics/gynecology, radiology, nuclear medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and research. The course is also appropriate for technologists.

Overall Course Objectives:
As a result of this course, learners will be better prepared to:

• Summarize best-practice methods utilized to recognize vertebral fractures on lateral spine images.
• Describe non-fracture abnormalities that may appear on a spine image.
• Identify characteristics of high quality densitometric lateral spine images.
• Identify the appropriate complementary technologies to complete vertebral fracture assessment.
• Cite indications for VFA as stated in the 2015 ISCD Official Positions.

Course Lectures:

1. Introduction to Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA)
2. Diagnosis of Vertebral Fracture on Lateral Spine Images; technical aspects and interpretation
3. Spine Imaging Modalities other than VFA and VFA Reporting
4. Case Study Review and Workshop

Course Registration Fees

CME Credit Designation:
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Accreditation Statement:
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to offer continuing medical education for physicians.

CE Credit Qualification:
This activity is approved by the ASRT for 4.5 Category A continuing education credits. Participants’ attendance must be verified each day to ensure credit can be claimed. Partial credit will not be given. This activity can be used toward the RT Structured Education and CQR requirements for the ARRT.

Course Prerequisites:
It is recommended, but not required, that registrants attend the Osteoporosis Essentials/Quality Bone Densitometry Course (Clinician or Technologist) prior to attending the VFA course.