Bone mineral density in the femoral neck: quantitative assessment using dual-energy projection radiography

Two different dual-energy projection radiography techniques were used to quantitate bone mineral density in the femoral neck. A heterogeneous population of normal aging individuals of both genders was studied. Using a dual-energy scanned projection method, femoral neck mineralization was shown to decline with age in men and women with normal endocrine status, and to correlate positively with serum calcium level in women and both genders combined. No significant relation to incidence and severity of vertebral body compression fractures, the Singh trabecular index, glomerular filtration rate, urinary calcium excretion, plasma levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, or alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated. According to both methods, femoral neck density tended to be higher in taller and heavier subjects. Although it may not be possible to predict accurately the occurrence of femoral neck fracture in a given individual, dual-energy scanned projection radiography appears to be useful in determining mineral status of the site at risk.