TBS correlates with bone density and microstructure at trabecular and cortical bone evaluated by HR-pQCT

Area of Science:

• Osteoporosis Research
• Bone Microstructure Analysis
• Fracture Risk Assessment

Background:

• Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) assesses bone microstructure, a key determinant of bone strength.
• High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) provides direct measurement of bone microstructure.
• Understanding the correlation between TBS and HRpQCT is crucial for accurate fracture risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and bone microstructural parameters measured by HRpQCT.
• To assess the influence of TBS on fracture risk as estimated by FRAX, particularly for hip fractures.

Main Methods:

• 129 individuals without vertebral fractures were assessed using DXA, HRpQCT (distal radius and tibia), and TBS.
• TBS categorized bone microarchitecture into normal, partially degraded, or degraded.
• Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate relationships between TBS, bone parameters, and FRAX scores.

Main Results:

• Normal TBS was associated with significantly better bone mineral density (BMD) and HRpQCT parameters (cortical and trabecular) compared to degraded TBS.
• TBS correlated positively with BMD and bone microstructural parameters, and negatively with age.
• TBS adjustment enhanced the FRAX-predicted risk for major osteoporotic and hip fractures.

Conclusions:

• TBS is significantly associated with both trabecular and cortical bone parameters measured by HRpQCT.
• TBS provides valuable information for fracture risk estimation, complementing DXA-based assessments.
• The findings highlight TBS's role in improving fracture risk prediction, especially in conditions where cortical bone is predominant, such as hip fractures.