Accuracy of lateral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for the determination of bone mineral content in the thoracic and lumbar spine: an in vitro study.
Lateral scanning with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was undertaken on 153 thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies from nine individuals (mean age 67; range 34-92 years) to establish their bone mineral content (BMC). All specimens were subsequently de-fatted and ashed to compare ash weight with BMC of the T1 to L5 segments. Linear regression analysis indicated a higher correlation between BMC and measured ash weights for each vertebral column (range: r = 0.97-0.99), with error for all vertebrae tested showing a standard error of 0.40 g, or 10.8%. For the L2-4 segments the accuracy error was 0.50 g or 7.9%. In both cases there was a mean trend towards underestimation of ash weight. Mean BMC values of the T1 to T5 segments were similar before a progressive increase caudally. These data affirm the utility of DXA for determining bone mineral content in the vertebral column across wide ranges of age, and segmental and bone density.
Edmondston
S J
SJ
Department of Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.
Singer
K P
KP
Price
R I
RI
Breidahl
P D
PD
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000592:standards; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000737:chemistry