In 2010, the working group “Osteoporotic Fractures” of the Spine Section of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU) was founded. The intention of the group was to develop an easy to apply classification for daily practice. The classification should consider typical morphological patterns and the biomechanical stability of the fractures. The classification would further serve as a foundation for treatment recommendations.
The group followed an established methodological pathway.9 In the first step, the group examined 707 osteoporotic fractures in a prospective multicenter trial.10 Typical fracture patterns could be identified and were discussed. Since about 50% of the patients were uncertain if they have had any trauma, the group decided to develop one classification for both traumatic and nontraumatic (insufficiency) fractures. The classification was based on all available radiological examinations (X-rays, CT, MRI). After 14 consecutive group meetings with in-depth discussions, a morphological classification with 5 subgroups was proposed.11
The group followed an established methodological pathway.9 In the first step, the group examined 707 osteoporotic fractures in a prospective multicenter trial.10 Typical fracture patterns could be identified and were discussed. Since about 50% of the patients were uncertain if they have had any trauma, the group decided to develop one classification for both traumatic and nontraumatic (insufficiency) fractures. The classification was based on all available radiological examinations (X-rays, CT, MRI). After 14 consecutive group meetings with in-depth discussions, a morphological classification with 5 subgroups was proposed.11
