Opportunistic Osteoporosis Screening Reveals Low Bone Density in Patients With Screw Loosening After Lumbar Semi-Rigid Instrumentation: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Prevalence of osteoporosis or low bone mass (BMD ≤ 120 mg/cm³) was relatively high in this group of elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery. Screw loosening was associated with BMD close to the threshold for osteoporosis (< 80 mg/cm³). Opportunistic BMD screening is feasible using the presented approach and can guide the surgeon to take measures to prevent screw loosening and to increase favorable outcomes.