[Dual-photon densitometry of the lumbar spine. Further experience and findings]

The authors submit further experience with two-photon absorption measurement of the mineral content of the lumbar spine using a NOVO/Lab BMC 22a (Denmark) apparatus. 1. The authors discuss the problem of evaluation of results in postmenopausal women. For the basic evaluation the authors use the range +/- 2 s of "normal" values classified by decades; another suitable guide to the interpretation could be extrapolation of the lower range of the regression zone in recorded in premenopausal women to higher age groups. 2. The histogram of frequencies of normal values in women in g.cm-2 has two peaks corresponding to the group of premenopausal women and the group of postmenopausal women. 3. Of 573 examined patients with osteoporosis 295, i. e. 51.5%, cannot be reliably evaluated or cannot be evaluated at all (as a rule because of changes of the spine). Of 49 results obtained in men with osteoporosis 34.7% are within the normal range, of 229 results obtained in women with osteoporosis 47.2% are within the normal range. The hitherto assembled experience is consistent with the view that the method is useful and invaluable in particular for the long-term follow up of patients.