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Bone mineral mass associated with postmenopausal vertebral deformities.
J E Harrison1, N Patt, C Müller
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Bone and Mineral
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Mid-thoracic vertebral deformities in postmenopausal women do not indicate osteopenia or osteoporotic fractures. Only distal thoracic or lumbar spine deformities correlate with low bone mass, suggesting osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a significant health concern.
- Accurate diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vertebral morphometry and bone mass in postmenopausal women.
- To determine if mid-thoracic vertebral deformities are indicative of osteoporotic fractures.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral mass was measured using neutron activation analysis, expressed as calcium bone index (CaBI).
- Vertebral morphometry was assessed on thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs.
- Patients were categorized based on the presence and location of vertebral deformities.
Main Results:
- Patients with deformities in distal thoracic or lumbar vertebrae showed significantly lower CaBI values (0.66 ± 0.10) compared to those without deformities (0.80 ± 0.12).
- 87% of patients with distal/lumbar deformities had CaBI values below the normal young adult range (< 0.75).
- Mid-thoracic vertebral deformities (in 20 patients) were not associated with significantly low CaBI values (0.81 ± 0.15), similar to patients without deformities.
Conclusions:
- Mid-thoracic vertebral deformities alone are not diagnostic of osteoporotic fractures.
- Osteoporotic fractures are strongly associated with low bone mass (CaBI < 0.75) in distal thoracic and lumbar spine deformities.