Femoral trabecular-pattern index and bone mineral content measurement by photon absorption in senile osteoporosis

A comparative study of the usefulness of the femoral trabecular-pattern index (Singh index) and bone mineral content measurement by photon absorption in senile osteoporosis was performed in 106 white women, seventy to ninety-five years old. In 17% of the subjects adequate hip roentgenograms could not be obtained. Interpretation of the Singh index was not found to be simple and easily reproducible. A positive correlation was noted between the bone mineral content and the Singh index. The incidence of previous vertebral and non-vertebral fracture was noted to be inversely related to both bone mineral content and the Singh index, but neither method clearly separated subjects with fracture from those without fracture.