The clinical impact of MRI-based vertebral bone quality score for assessment of bone quality.

Abstract

The purpose of this search was to evaluate the clinical significance of the MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score for assessment of bone quality. We searched all published articles regarding the clinical impact of VBQ score in Embase, Cochrane library, and PubMed before June 1st, 2023. The calculational method of VBQ has gradually been standardized. The association between the VBQ score and bone mineral density (BMD) is well established, and the VBQ score is verified to assess the bone condition. The quantitative computed tomography (QCT) BMD as the gold standard to determine the diagnostic threshold of the VBQ score is recommended. Moreover, the VBQ score is a good predictor for some osteoporosis-related postoperative complications. However, there are still some influential factors for the VBQ score that have not fully understood. VBQ score is a simple and reproducible method to assess bone quality that can be achieved on the lumbar MRI. Preoperative VBQ score can predict some osteoporosis-related postoperative complications precisely. However, the diagnostic threshold value VBQ score and the effect of influential factors on the VBQ score may need to be further explored in the future.