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Is there a difference between right and left femoral bone density?
1Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202-2689, USA. danrao50@hotmail.com.
Summary
Bone mineral density (BMD) of both hips is highly correlated, suggesting measuring only one hip is sufficient for osteoporosis evaluation. This simplifies clinical practice by reducing unnecessary measurements.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Forearm bone mineral density (BMD) measurements show dominant/nondominant differences, influencing clinical practice.
- Systematic differences in hip bone mineral density (BMD) between the left and right sides are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential systematic differences in bone mineral density (BMD) between the two hips.
- To determine if measuring both hips is necessary for accurate osteoporosis assessment.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) of both hips and the spine was measured in 131 white women.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations and differences between hip BMD measurements.
Main Results:
- High correlations were observed between bone mineral density (BMD) of the two hips at the femoral neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle (r > 0.89).
- While femoral neck BMD showed no significant difference, the left hip exhibited slightly higher BMD (1-2.5%) at the trochanter and Ward's triangle compared to the right hip.
- Significant correlations were also found between hip and spine BMD measurements.
Conclusions:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) of the hips is highly correlated, indicating a lack of a 'dominant' hip similar to the forearm.
- Measuring both hips is likely unnecessary in routine clinical practice due to the strong agreement between the two sides.