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.

** Course schedules are specific to the event. View the listings by clicking the button below for specific details to the course you wish to take.

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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.

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

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

Continuing Medical Education Credits

ISCD intends to offer this activity for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM and ASRT Category A credit. For approved credit counts, please refer to our course catalog and select the upcoming course you’d like to register for.

Course Prerequisite

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

Interested in offering this course Internationally?

If you are interested in offering this ISCD course internationally, please submit an Interest Form.