The Genant classification of vertebral fractures is based on the vertebral shape, with respect to vertebral height loss involving the anterior, posterior, and/or middle vertebral body as seen on lateral radiographs of the thoracic or lumbar spine 1.
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Usage
The Genant classification has been used in multiple research papers and has been shown to have both high intraobserver agreement (93–99%) and interobserver agreement (90–99%) 1,2. How frequently this is used in clinical practice is unclear.
Classification
grade 0: normal
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grade 1: mild deformity
<25% loss of height
10-20% loss of area
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grade 2: moderate fracture
25-40% loss of height
20-40% loss of area
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grade 3: severe fracture
>40% loss of height
>40% loss of area
Anterior height loss (wedge deformity) is calculated as the ratio of the height anteriorly to the posterior height 1.
Posterior height loss (crush deformity) is calculated as the ratio of the height posteriorly to the anterior height 1.
Middle height loss (biconcave deformity) is calculated as the ratio of the height posteriorly to the height at the lowest point in the middle 1.
If the endplates are not perfectly superimposed then a midpoint between the two edges is used 1.
History and etymology
This classification was first published by the American radiologist Harry K. Genant and colleagues in 1993 1.
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