Association between visceral fat and osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures

•We found that high visceral fat area is a highly independent risk factor for osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures.•We identified other risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures.•In overweight and obese patients, we found independent risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral compression refractures.•We suggested a diagnostic procedure in the context of the prophylaxis and prevention of secondary osteoporotic fractures, especially in the elderly.