Differences in spine volumetric bone mineral density between grade 1 vertebral fracture and non-fractured participants in the China action on spine and hip status study.

In women, the prevalence of VF increased rapidly after age 50, while it grew more slowly in men. In general, with the exception of men <50 years old, participants with a grade 1 VF had lower vBMD than non-fractured individuals. The majority of women younger than 50 with a grade 1 VF had normal bone mass. We recommend that a vertebral height reduction ratio of <25% be diagnosed as a deformity rather than a fracture in people under the age of 50. The presence of multiple mild fractured vertebrae does not imply lower BMD.