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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Precision Measurements and Parametric Models of Vertebral Endplates
Published on: September 17, 2019
Impact of vertebral exclusion on precision error and least significant change in Trabecular Bone Score measurement
Rubén Abdala1, Josefina Rosmino1, Mariela Sesta2
1Instituto de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Metabólicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hospital Carlos G. Durand, Buenos Aires Argentina.
Abstract:
Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) provides indirect information on trabecular bone microarchitecture. TBS follow-up may be useful in patients receiving anabolic therapies and in those treated with denosumab for more than five years. However, TBS precision error and least significant change (LSC) thresholds should be specifically determined for each vertebral combination analyzed.
Aim:
To evaluate the impact of different vertebral combinations on TBS measurement precision and LSC.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective study was carried out as part of the precision assessment program of a reference center for bone metabolism in the city of Buenos Aires during 2024. Following determination of precision error, the absolute and relative (%) LSC at the 95% confidence level was calculated.
Results:
Compared with the other lumbar regions, L1-L4 showed a lower precision error for both RMS-SD (0.021) and RMS-%CV (1.55%), as well as a lower LSC absolute (0.059) and relative (4.29%). In pairwise analyses, L1-L4 demonstrated significantly lower variability compared with L1-L2 (p = 0.0011) and L2-L3 (p = 0.0065).
Conclusion:
Standardized TBS assessment, consistent vertebral selection, and vertebra-specific LSC definitions are necessary to ensure the interpretation of treatment-related changes.