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Computed tomography derived bone density measurement in the diabetic foot
Alex Barwick1, John Tessier2, James Mirow3
1University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW 2258 Australia.
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
|March 9, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates computed tomography is a reliable method for measuring foot bone density in people with diabetes. This technique aids in diagnosing and managing diabetic foot bone disease.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Accurate foot bone density measurement is challenging, lacking a gold standard.
- Diabetic populations are at high risk for foot bone pathology.
- Computed tomography (CT) shows potential for assessing foot bone density.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the reliability of a novel CT-based method for measuring foot bone density.
- To assess this method specifically in individuals with diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Ten diabetic feet underwent dual CT scans with repositioning.
- Trabecular and cortical bone density were measured in tarsals and metatarsals.
- Reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients and other statistical measures.
Main Results:
- Excellent reliability (ICC 0.68-0.91) was found for trabecular bone density in most foot bones.
- Cortical bone density showed fair to good reliability in several key foot bones.
Conclusions:
- A practical CT scanning method for assessing foot bone density (trabecular and cortical) has been validated.
- This method holds promise for diagnosing, intervening in, and monitoring diabetic foot bone disease.
- Further research and development of this CT technique are recommended.
