The prevalence of vertebral fractures and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women

Vertebral fractures are the hallmark of osteoporosis, responsible for increased back pain, impairment of mobility and functional limitations. These factors have an impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vertebral fractures in Moroccan postmenopausal women and to assess their QOL, using an Arabic validated version of QUALEFFO. The study recruited 347 postmenopausal women in obvious good health. We excluded women who had used a drug or who had chronic diseases affecting bone metabolism. All patients had density measurements and spinal radiography. Each vertebral body (T4–L5) was graded using the semiquantitative method of Genant. The mean age was 60 years. Forty-six percent of patients had at least one vertebral fracture. The prevalence ranged from 31% in patients 50–55 years to 69% in patients 65 years and older. Patients with vertebral fractures were older (61.6 ± 8 vs 57 ± 7 years, P < 0.001), had more frequent history of nonvertebral fractures, and had spine and hip BMD values significantly lower (P < 0.001) than patients without vertebral fractures. In multivariate analysis, older age and a history of nonvertebral fractures were the two independent clinical factors of vertebral fractures. The number of fractures was a determinant of a low QOL, as indicated by an increased score in physical function, social function, mental function, and general health [for all (P < 0.05)]. Patients with higher grades of vertebral deformities, i.e., more severe fractures, had low QOL in these four domains. Patient with thoracolumbar fractures had a worse general health than patients with thoracic or lumbar fractures. We found a high prevalence of vertebral fractures probably explained by socioeconomic factors in Morocco. QOL, assessed by an osteoporosis-specific instrument, is decreased in postmenopausal women as a function of both the number and the severity of the vertebral fractures. Treating women with prevalent fractures may avoid a further decrease in their quality of life.