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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Longitudinal Evaluation of Mouse Hind Limb Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury using Novel, in vivo, Methodology
Published on: December 7, 2011
Effect of laminectomy on measured bone density
R P Spencer1, D P Szigeti, I O Engin
1Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-2804, USA. rspencer@adp.uchc.edu
Summary
The posterior vertebral elements significantly contribute to bone density measurements. This study found the central vertebral area
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Bone Densitometry
Background:
- Accurate bone density measurement is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.
- The contribution of different vertebral components to overall bone density is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the contribution of posterior vertebral elements to bone density measurements in the lumbar spine (L4).
- To compare the bone density of the central vertebral area with the entire vertebra and adjacent vertebral levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bone density in three female patients following resection of posterior vertebral elements.
- Comparison of the ratio of central/whole vertebra density and central/vertebral body density.
- Inclusion of L2 and L3 vertebral data for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- The ratio of central/whole vertebra density averaged 0.506.
- The ratio of central/vertebral body density averaged 0.470.
- These findings suggest posterior elements significantly influence bone density readings.
Conclusions:
- Posterior vertebral elements play a substantial role in overall bone density measurements.
- Further research is warranted to explore variations with aging and medication use.
- These insights may refine diagnostic accuracy in bone densitometry.
