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The Tromsø study: determinants of precision in bone densitometry.
G K Rosvold Berntsen1, V Fønnebø, A Tollan
1Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway. gro.berntsen@ism.uit.no
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|December 7, 2000
Summary
Precision in bone densitometry using single X-ray absorptiometry (SXA) is crucial. This study found SXA offers sufficient precision for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment, with minimal detectable changes of 2-3%.
Area of Science:
- Osteoporosis research
- Medical imaging technology
- Bone health diagnostics
Background:
- Limited research exists on precision determinants in bone densitometry.
- Accurate bone mineral density (BMD) measurements are vital for osteoporosis diagnosis and management.
- Single X-ray absorptiometry (SXA) is a common method for BMD assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate precision determinants in forearm bone densitometry using SXA.
- To evaluate the reliability of SXA measurements across different sites and conditions.
- To establish the minimal detectable change in BMD for individual patients.
Main Methods:
- 111 subjects aged 27-75 from the Tromsø Study underwent repeated forearm SXA measurements.
- Measurement conditions were systematically varied, including operator and time intervals.
- Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated to assess measurement precision.
Main Results:
- Median CVs were 0.79% (distal) and 0.98% (ultradistal) for scans 1 week apart by different operators.
- Age and repositioning were significant factors influencing precision.
- The SXA method demonstrated sufficient precision for establishing BMD levels.
Conclusions:
- SXA is a precise method for bone mineral density assessment.
- Minimal individual BMD changes detectable with 95% certainty were 2% (distal) and 3% (ultradistal).
- Detecting smaller BMD changes requires multiple repeat measurements.