Characteristics of neuropathic pain assessed by the DN4 questionnaire in patients with primary osteoporosis

Nguyen Vinh Ngoc, Tran Thi Huyen, Tran Thi To Chau, Le Thi Lieu, Phung Duc Tam, Ngo Thi Thuc Nhan

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Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 86 patients diagnosed with primary osteoporosis, presenting with spinal pain and a VAS score ≥ 3 at Bach Mai Hospital from July 2025 to April 2026 to describe neuropathic pain; the DN4 questionnaire was utilized to gather data. The study population exhibited a mean age of 70.4 ± 10 years old, with a predominant female distribution of 87.2%. The prevalence of neuropathic pain according to the DN4 questionnaire was 36.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of prior fracture (AOR = 11.83; 95% CI: 2.91 – 48.07; p < 0.001) and radiographic vertebral compression fracture (AOR = 55.88; 95% CI: 2.45 – 86.06; p = 0.012) were independently associated with the presence of neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neuropathic pain accounts for a significant proportion of primary osteoporosis patients with spinal pain of at least moderate intensity. A history of fracture and radiographic vertebral compression fracture are independent factors associated with neuropathic pain assessed by the DN4 questionnaire.

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References

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