Changes in magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity in predicting complications during acute phase osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate prediction of complications in osteoporotic vertebral fractures with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes over time. Methods MRI signal intensities in osteoporotic vertebral fractures were investigated according to the interval between onset and imaging as follows: 0–10 days (early), 11–20 days (middle), and 21–30 days (later). Results The diffuse low pattern rates were 52%, 84%, and 95% and 20%, 24%, and 52% in the early, middle, and later periods on T1-WI and T2-WI, respectively. Conclusions The diffuse low pattern increased with time. The MRI prediction of complications depends on the time phase.