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Quantitative CT reference values for vertebral trabecular bone density in children and young adults
Vicente Gilsanz1, Francisco J Perez, Patricia P Campbell
1Department of Radiology, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, MS 81, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. vgilsanz@chla.usc.edu
Radiology
|November 13, 2008
Summary
This study establishes reference values for vertebral trabecular bone density (TBD) in healthy children and young adults using quantitative CT. Findings show TBD increases similarly in both sexes, but earlier in females, aiding pediatric bone disorder diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Radiology
Background:
- Establishing normative data for bone density is crucial for identifying pediatric metabolic bone disorders.
- Quantitative computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for assessing bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normative reference values for vertebral trabecular bone density (TBD) in healthy white children, teenagers, and young adults.
- To provide age- and sex-specific TBD data using quantitative CT.
Main Methods:
- Compiled data from 1222 healthy white subjects aged 5-21 years.
- Measured TBD at lumbar vertebrae L1-L3 using quantitative CT.
- Analyzed TBD by age group (1-year intervals) and sex, using Student t tests for comparisons.
Main Results:
- Vertebral TBD increased with age in both sexes, with similar overall percentage increases.
- The onset of TBD increase occurred earlier in females (10-15 years) compared to males (12-17 years).
- Peak TBD values were reached earlier in females than in males.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential reference standards for quantitative CT bone measurements in pediatric populations.
- These normative values can assist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric metabolic bone disorders.
- Understanding sex-specific timing of bone density accrual is vital for pediatric care.
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