[Normal values of vertebral heights in a representative population survey in Hungary]

The authors' aim was to derive Hungarian normal vertebral heights, height ratios and threshold values. The mean -3 SD of these ratios give them the threshold values for defining normal vertebraes. They examined the standardized vertebral morphometric measurements obtained in a cross-sectional population survey. Radiographs were taken according to standardized protocol and morphomeric measurements of anterior, central and posterior heights from thoracic 4 to lumbar 4 were made with a semiautomatic technique. The anterior, central, posterior I and posterior II height ratios were calculated for each vertebra. The mean and standard deviation of these ratios for each sex were derived using a statistical procedure to normalize the distribution. From the normally distributed vertebral height ratios the mean and standard deviation give us the threshold values for defining normal vertebraes. Anterior and central vertebral height ratios were smaller in males than females. The authors compared the ratios and threshold values in different European centers using the same method. The data confirm that vertebral height ratios vary between and within populations and the authors suggest that normal values for vertebral height ratios should be derived separately for males and females at each vertebral level. Having the normal values the knowledge of the Hungarian normal vertebral height ratios gives the possibility to carry on multicentre clinical, therapeutic and epidemiologic studies of vertebral deformity in Hungary. The authors suggest the widespread use of morphometry to evaluate vertebral osteoporosis because it can be done in every radiology unit, it is a cheap and easy method for measuring the bone mineral content.