Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
18.5K
Amalgamated Reference Data for Size-Adjusted Bone Densitometry Measurements in 3598 Children and Young Adults-the
Nicola J Crabtree1, Nicholas J Shaw1, Nicholas J Bishop2
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Summary
This study created new pediatric dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) reference curves for bone density in UK children. These sex- and ethnic-specific curves improve clinical interpretation of DXA scans for bone health assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Bone Densitometry
- Public Health Data
Background:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is increasingly used in children.
- Robust, population-representative reference data are crucial for accurate DXA scan interpretation.
- Existing data require updating for software/hardware compatibility and diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To combine UK pediatric DXA data from multiple centers.
- To create age-, sex-, ethnicity-, and body-size-adjusted reference curves.
- To ensure data compatibility across different DXA scanner models and software versions.
Main Methods:
- Data from 3598 children (aged 4-20 years) across seven UK centers (1996-2012) were aggregated.
- In vivo cross-calibration using the European Spine Phantom standardized measurements.
- Reference curves for lumbar spine (L1-L4) bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) and total body less head (TBLH) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were generated for GE Lunar and Hologic scanners.
Main Results:
- First sex- and ethnic-specific reference curves for pediatric lumbar spine BMAD, aBMD, and TBLH aBMD are presented.
- Curves are provided for both GE Lunar and Hologic scanner platforms.
- Data compatibility testing confirmed backward and forward compatibility with software upgrades.
Conclusions:
- The new reference curves enhance the clinical interpretation of pediatric DXA scans.
- These data facilitate adherence to International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) guidelines.
- The database is designed for future updates and integration with evolving fracture prediction research.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
6.0K
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
6.0K
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
3.9K
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
3.9K
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
10.5K
The skeletal system is the central framework of the body, consisting of different connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
10.5K