Bone mineral density measurement by quantitative computed tomography in a normal Turkish population

Area of Science:

• Bone Densitometry
• Osteology
• Radiology

Background:

• Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health.
• Age and menopausal status significantly influence BMD.
• Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is a precise method for assessing bone density.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine trabecular and cortical BMD in a normal Turkish population.
• To analyze the impact of age on male BMD.
• To investigate the effects of age and menopausal duration on female BMD.
• To compare Turkish BMD values with international standards.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative CT (QCT) was employed to measure trabecular and cortical BMD.
• The study included 255 healthy individuals (110 males, 145 females).

Main Results:

• Annual BMD loss was 1.97 mg/ml (trabecular) and 2.09 mg/ml (cortical) in females; 1.37 mg/ml (trabecular) and 1.04 mg/ml (cortical) in males.
• A 70-year-old female loses 56.7% (trabecular) and 31.3% (cortical) of bone mass compared to a 20-year-old.
• Bone loss is most pronounced during premenopausal and early postmenopausal stages.
• Menopausal duration significantly impacts postmenopausal bone loss more than chronological age.

Conclusions:

• QCT effectively differentiates trabecular and cortical bone mass.
• Trabecular bone loss exceeds cortical bone loss in both sexes.
• Females exhibit greater overall bone loss than males.
• Bone loss accelerates during menopause, with duration being a key factor.
• Turkish BMD values align with those reported in Western countries.