title: Use of computed tomography for assessing bone mineral density.
abstract: Assessing local bone quality on CT scans with Hounsfield unit (HU) quantification is being used with increasing frequency. Correlations between HU and bone mineral density have been established, and normative data have been defined throughout the spine. Recent investigations have explored the utility of HU values in assessing fracture risk, implant stability, and spinal fusion success. The information provided by a simple HU measurement can alert the treating physician to decreased bone quality, which can be useful in both medically and surgically managing these patients.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York;
authors: Joseph J
authors: JJ
authors: Schreiber
authors: Paul A
authors: PA
authors: Anderson
authors: Wellington K
authors: WK
authors: Hsu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: BMD = bone mineral density; DXA = dual x-ray absorptiometry; HU = Hounsfield unit; Hounsfield unit; ROI = region of interest; bone mineral density; osteoporosis