Radiological Validation and Explainability of a Deep Learning Model for Vertebral Compression Fracture Detection in Geriatric Spine Imaging

Objective

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are common in older adults and can significantly impair quality of life. Early and accurate detection of these fractures remains clinically challenging. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an explainable deep learning framework for the automated detection and classification of vertebral compression fractures on lumbar computed tomography (CT) images.