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Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
The relationship between cardiometabolic disease and vertebral bone strength, mineral density, and mass in US adults
Nicole C Wright1, Rafeka Hossain1, Mary L Bouxsein2
1Center for Health Outcomes, Implementation, and Community-Engaged Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Context:
Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) may increase vertebral fracture risk through deterioration in bone structure and/or tissue properties, compromising bone strength.
Objective:
Evaluate the relationship between CMD and vertebral bone measures.
Design:
Cross-sectional.
Participants:
Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study participants with year 25 (2010-2011) abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 2728).
Exposure:
CMD (abdominal obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or hypertension) status (≥1 vs 0) and burden (0, 1, 2, ≥3).
Outcome Measures:
Vertebral strength, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and bone mass, obtained via biomechanical CT analysis.
Methods:
Multivariable linear regression evaluated the association between CMD and vertebral bone measures. Sex-specific models were adjusted for age, race, height, weight, and additional social determinants of health, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Effect modification by race, age, and menopausal status was evaluated.
Results:
Overall, at least 1 CMD was identified in 72.3% of men and 70.5% of women. In the fully adjusted model, CMD status was significantly associated with lower total (β = -6.32 mg/cm3; P = .018), trabecular (β = -4.53 mg/cm3; P = .048), and cortical (β = -6.63 mg/cm3; P = .034) vBMD in men. Greater CMD burden was associated with lower total and trabecular vBMD. The negative association between CMD and vBMD was stronger in men ≤50 years. There was no association in women.
Conclusion:
In this biracial cohort of Black and White adults from the United States, CMD was associated with significantly lower total and subcompartment vertebral vBMD in men.
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