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Unequal decrease in bone density of lumbar spine and ultradistal radius in Colles' and vertebral fracture syndromes
R Eastell1, H W Wahner, W M O'Fallon
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) best predicts vertebral fractures, while ultradistal radius BMD best predicts Colles
Area of Science:
- Osteoporosis Research
- Bone Mineral Density Measurement
- Fracture Etiology
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant health concern in postmenopausal women.
- Vertebral and Colles' fractures have distinct underlying bone loss patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of lumbar spine (LS-BMD) and ultradistal radius (UDR-BMD) measurements in identifying fracture types.
- To investigate the differential patterns of bone loss associated with vertebral and Colles' fractures.
Main Methods:
- Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and ultradistal radius in postmenopausal women.
- Participants included normal controls and women with vertebral fractures, Colles' fractures, or both.
- Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the predictive value of LS-BMD and UDR-BMD for specific fractures.
Main Results:
- LS-BMD was a better indicator of vertebral fracture, while UDR-BMD was superior for Colles' fracture.
- Both LS-BMD and UDR-BMD were significantly lower in all fracture groups compared to controls.
- The pattern of bone loss varied by fracture type: vertebral fractures showed greater LS-BMD loss, Colles' fractures showed greater UDR-BMD loss, and combined fractures showed similar loss at both sites.
Conclusions:
- Both vertebral and Colles' fractures result from excessive bone loss.
- The site-specific pattern of bone loss is a critical determinant of fracture type in postmenopausal women.
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