Background: Previous studies have shown a moderate correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and Hounsfield units (HU) assessed on diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans in the lumbar spine.
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between DEXA scores and HU values for different bones and several anatomical landmarks.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 214 patients underwent DEXA and diagnostic CT scans of different bones, including the proximal humerus (n=96), distal tibia (n=56), distal femur (n=34), and proximal tibia (n=28). HU values of five anatomic landmarks, including the medulla, anteromedial cortex, anterolateral cortex, posteromedial cortex, and posterolateral cortex, were measured, and their correlation with the lowest T-score of the patients was assessed.
Results: The HU of the center of the medulla was significantly correlated with the lowest T-score in the proximal (r=0.486, P=0.04) and distal tibia (r=0.458, P=0.01). In the proximal humerus, the HU of the anteromedial cortex was significantly correlated with the lowest T-score (r=0.0353, P=0.01). The mean HU of the posterolateral cortex in the proximal humerus was significantly smaller in the osteoporotic patients (P=0.003). The mean HU of the center of the medulla in the proximal tibia was significantly lower in patients with osteoporotic (P=0.036). The mean HU values of the posteromedial cortex and center of the medulla in the distal tibia were significantly larger in patients with normal BMD (P=0.04 both).
Conclusion: A moderately significant correlation is observed between the lowest T-score and specific anatomical landmarks of the different bones.
Type of Study:
Research Article |
Subject:
Trauma Received: 2023/02/21 | Accepted: 2023/06/9 | Published: 2023/08/1