[Vertebral morphometry with DXA/MXA equipment--an equipment comparison. Dual x-ray absorptiometry/morphometric x-ray absorptiometry].
OBJECTIVE
The accuracy and reproducibility of morphometric measurements (Morphometric X-ray Absorptiometry = MXA) of vertebrae were determined. The significant difference of the change in height of vertebral bodies in follow-up studies was computed for MXA methods and digitised spinal radiographs as well.


METHODS
The measurements were carried out on two new Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) devices (device A = Expert, Lunar Corp., device B = QDR 2000 Plus, Hologic Inc.). The data were obtained by using the European Spine Phantom (ESP) and lumbar spine specimens.


RESULTS
The accuracy of vertebral morphometry performed on radiographs is 2.0%, on the device A 2.3%, and on the device B 4.9%. Measurements taken with the ESP showed a reproducibility of 1.0 to 3.0%, whereas measurements of fractured vertebrae resulted in 5.1 to 6.0%.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the morphometric measurements demonstrate that a reliable fracture analysis in phantoms and specimens is possible. Further in-vivo studies are necessary.
Gowin
W
W
Abteilung für Radiologische Diagnostik und Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität, Berlin.
Diessel
E
E
Mews
J
J
Hoja
T
T
Felsenberg
D
D
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012984:Software; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*