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Dual photon absorptiometry of the proximal tibia
M M Checovich1, B J Kiratli, E L Smith
1Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53705.
Calcified Tissue International
|November 1, 1989
Summary
This study found that bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the proximal tibia decrease with age. While tibial BMD correlates with other skeletal sites, it
Area of Science:
- Osteoporosis research
- Bone densitometry
- Geriatric medicine
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) are key indicators of bone health.
- Age-related bone loss affects skeletal integrity and increases fracture risk.
- Assessing BMD in various skeletal sites is crucial for diagnosing and managing osteoporosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal tibia using dual photon absorptiometry.
- To investigate the relationship between tibial BMC/BMD and age in women.
- To determine the correlation of tibial BMD with other major skeletal sites and assess its reliability for individual assessment.
Main Methods:
- Dual photon absorptiometry was used to measure BMC and BMD in a 2.01 cm region of the proximal tibia.
- The study included 44 women aged 23-87 years.
- Correlations between tibial BMD and lumbar spine, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter BMD were calculated.
Main Results:
- Tibial BMC and BMD showed a decline with increasing age.
- Tibial BMD was significantly correlated with lumbar spine (r=0.70), femoral neck (r=0.73), and femoral trochanter (r=0.74).
- High standard errors of estimate (0.08-0.14 g/cm2) limit the reliable prediction of other skeletal sites from the tibia.
Conclusions:
- Dual photon absorptiometry of the proximal tibia is a reliable measurement technique.
- Tibial BMD assessment may be valuable for monitoring therapeutic interventions in patients with skeletal diseases where standard measurements are not feasible.
- The proximal tibia can serve as a useful site for assessing bone health and monitoring treatment efficacy, particularly when other sites are inaccessible.