A novel MRI- and CT-based scoring system to differentiate malignant from osteoporotic vertebral fractures in Chinese patients

Table 4 Modified scoring system for diagnosis of malignant vertebral fractures (MVFs)

Radiological Findings	Implication	Score
MRI findings
Pattern change of vertebrae signal intensity
Round	MVF	2
Band-like	OVF	−1
Diffuse	MVF	2
Smoothly blunt border protrusion of the posterior wall	MVF	1
Paravertebral solid mass	MVF	2
Asymmetry of signal intensity change	MVF	2
Pedicle involvement	MVF	2
CT findings
Sclerotic band beneath the end plate	OVF	−2
Fracture without osteolysis	OVF	−2
Osteolytic destruction	MVF	2
Total score: OVF ≤ 3 and MVF ≥ 4

CT computed tomography, MRI magnetic resonance imaging, MVF malignant vertebral fracture, OVF osteoporotic vertebral fracture

ISSN: 1471-2474