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Bone density variation within lumbar vertebrae in apparently normal women
R P Spencer1, F Hosain, K A Yoosufani
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030.
International Journal of Radiation Applications and Instrumentation. Part B, Nuclear Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Bone density variation between lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) in women over 36 increases with age. Over 75, 40% showed >25% difference, highlighting age-related bone density changes.
Area of Science:
- Osteoporosis research
- Bone densitometry
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Osteoporosis evaluation often focuses on average bone mineral density.
- Intervertebral bone density variation is not routinely assessed.
- Understanding normal bone density distribution is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) among lumbar vertebrae (L2, L3, L4) in nonathletic white women.
- To determine the prevalence and age-dependency of significant bone density differences between lumbar vertebrae.
- To establish whether intervertebral BMD variation should be a factor in osteoporosis assessment.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure lumbar BMD in 236 women (ages 36-85).
- Analysis focused on 141 women with average lumbar BMD within normal ranges.
- The percentage difference between the highest and lowest BMD among L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae was calculated.
Main Results:
- The distribution of intervertebral BMD differences followed a log-normal pattern.
- 11% of the study population exhibited a >25% difference in BMD between lumbar vertebrae.
- This >25% difference was absent in women under 46, but present in 40% of those over 75, increasing linearly with age between 46 and 75.
Conclusions:
- Significant variation in bone density exists between lumbar vertebrae in women.
- This intervertebral BMD variation is age-dependent and increases with advancing age.
- Future descriptions of lumbar bone density should incorporate intervertebral variation for a comprehensive assessment.