Experimental hip fracture load can be predicted from plain radiography by combined analysis of trabecular bone structure and bone geometry

Summary Computerized analysis of the trabecular structure was used to test whether femur failure load can be estimated from radiographs. The study showed that combined analysis of trabecular bone structure and geometry predicts in vitro failure load with similar accuracy as DXA. Introduction Since conventional radiography is widely available with low imaging cost, it is of considerable interest to discover how well bone mechanical competence can be determined using this technology. We tested the hypothesis that the mechanical strength of the femur can be estimated by the combined analysis of the bone trabecular structure and geometry. Methods The sample consisted of 62 cadaver femurs (34 females, 28 males). After radiography and DXA, femora were mechanically tested in side impact configuration. Fracture patterns were classified as being cervical or trochanteric. Computerized image analysis was applied to obtain structure-related trabecular parameters (trabecular bone area, Euler number, homogeneity index, and trabecular main orientation), and set of geometrical variables (neck-shaft angle, medial calcar and femoral shaft cortex thicknesses, and femoral neck axis length). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the variables that best explain variation in BMD and failure load between subjects. Results In cervical fracture cases, trabecular bone area and femoral neck axis length explained 64% of the variability in failure loads, while femoral neck BMD also explained 64%. In trochanteric fracture cases, Euler number and femoral cortex thickness explained 66% of the variability in failure load, while trochanteric BMD explained 72%. Conclusions Structural parameters of trabecular bone and bone geometry predict in vitro failure loads of the proximal femur with similar accuracy as DXA, when using appropriate image analysis technology.     

Pattern of bone loss of the proximal femur: a radiologic, densitometric, and histomorphometric study

The pattern of bone loss in the proximal femur was studied in 141 cadaveric femora from 36 women and 39 men ranging from 27 to 89 years of age. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck, greater trochanter, Ward's triangle, and tensile and compressive stress regions were measured by dual photon absorptiometry. Radiographs were graded by Singh's method. Histomorphometry of tensile and compressive trabecular areas was performed on ground midsection of the methylmethacrylate-embedded whole proximal femur. Although Singh index had some correlation with BMD of the femoral neck, the various BMD measurements showed that all regions lost bone to the same extent; in particular, no selective bone loss was found at low stress regions (tensile trabeculae or Ward's triangle). Histomorphometry revealed that most of the trabecular bone loss of the proximal femur is attributable to a decrease in thickness of individual trabeculae.     

Effects of Treatment of Ovariectomized Adult Rhesus Monkeys with Parathyroid Hormone 1-84 for 16 Months on Trabecular and Cortical Bone Structure and Biomechanical Properties of the Proximal Femur

Treatment of monkeys and humans with parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1-84 stimulates skeletal remodeling, which increases trabecular (Tb) bone mineral density (BMD) but decreases cortical (Ct) BMD at locations where these bone types predominate. We report the effects of daily PTH treatment (5, 10, or 25 μg/kg) of ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus monkeys for 16 months on bone structure and biomechanical properties at the proximal femur, a mixed trabecular and cortical bone site. PTH reversed the OVX-induced decrease in BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the proximal femur, femoral neck, and distal femur. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography confirmed a significant decrease in Ct.BMD and an increase in Tb.BMD at the total proximal femur and at the proximal and distal femoral metaphyses. The decrease in Ct.BMD resulted primarily from increased area because cortical bone mineral content was unaffected by PTH. Histomorphometry revealed that PTH significantly increased the trabecular bone formation rate (BFR) as well as trabecular bone volume and number. PTH did not affect periosteal or haversian BFR at the femoral neck, but cortical porosity was increased slightly. PTH had no effects on stiffness or peak load measured using a shear test, whereas work-to-failure, the energy required to fracture, was increased significantly. Thus, PTH treatment induced changes in trabecular and cortical bone at the proximal femur that were similar to those occurring at sites where these bone types predominate. Together, the changes had no effect on stiffness or peak load but increased the energy required to break the proximal femur, thereby making it more resistant to fracture.     

Trabecular Homogeneity Index Derived From Plain Radiograph to Evaluate Bone Quality

Radiographic texture analysis has been developed lately to improve the assessment of bone architecture as a determinant of bone quality. We validate here an algorithm for the evaluation of trabecular homogeneity index (HI) in the proximal femur from hip radiographs, with a focus on the impact of the principal compressive system of the trabecular bone, and evaluate its correlation with femoral strength, bone mineral density (BMD), and volumetric trabecular structure parameters. A semiautomatic custom‐made algorithm was applied to calculate the HI in the femoral neck and trochanteric areas from radiographs of 178 femoral bone specimens (mean age 79.3 ± 10.4 years). Corresponding neck region was selected in CT scans to calculate volumetric parameters of trabecular structure. The site‐specific BMDs were assessed from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the femoral strength was experimentally tested in side‐impact configuration. Regression analysis was performed between the HI and biomechanical femoral strength, BMD, and volumetric parameters. The correlation between HI and failure load was R² = 0.50; this result was improved to R² = 0.58 for cervical fractures alone. The discrimination of bones with high risk of fractures (load <3000 N) was similar for HI and BMD (AUC = 0.87). Regression analysis between the HIs versus site‐specific BMDs yielded R² = 0.66 in neck area, R² = 0.60 in trochanteric area, and an overall of R² = 0.66 for the total hip. Neck HI and BMD correlated significantly with volumetric structure parameters. We present here a method to assess HI that can explain 50% of an experimental failure load and determines bones with high fracture risk with similar accuracy as BMD. The HI also had good correlation with DXA and computed tomography–derived data. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Age and trabecular features of alveolar bone associated with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of clinical features, combined with optical density measurements and morphologic analysis of periapical images, for identifying individuals with low lumbar or femoral bone mineral density. STUDY DESIGN: Study subjects consisted of 37 females and 29 males. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Clinical variables included subjects' age, height, and weight. Optical density and morphologic features were measured from subjects' posterior maxilla and mandible. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to assess agreement between actual and predicted BMD status. RESULTS: The combination of clinical and morphological analysis of trabecular pattern are associated with femoral/lumbar BMD. Significant associations were found in the maxilla and mandible. The most important clinical variable was age. CONCLUSION: This study showed that morphologic analysis of periapical radiographs, combined with clinical variables, can assist in identifying individuals with low femoral/lumbar BMD.     

藤黄健骨胶囊对去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠骨密度和骨代谢的影响

目的研究藤黄健骨胶囊对骨质疏松大鼠骨密度和骨代谢的影响。方法采用去卵巢法制备大鼠骨质疏松症模型,灌胃藤黄健骨胶囊干预,灌胃1个月后取材。称重法检测各组大鼠的体重,酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)试剂盒检测血清骨钙素(osteocalcin,BGP)和抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,trACP)含量;双能X线吸收测量仪测量获得骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD);AG-IX生物力学万能实验机检测最大载荷和断裂载荷;HE染色法观察股骨的病理形态学变化。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠体重明显升高,血清抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶明显升高(P0.05);而模型组大鼠血清骨钙素明显降低,骨密度明显减少,最大载荷和断裂载荷明显减少(P0.05);模型组骨小梁结构不完整、丢失、断裂严重。与模型组相比,藤黄健骨胶囊组大鼠血清骨钙素的含量和抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶的活性得到纠正(P0.05),股骨的骨微观参数骨密度均得到了良好地修复,骨生物力学参数中最大载荷、断裂载荷得到了明显修复(P0.05),骨小梁排列规则,数目增多、增宽。结论藤黄健骨胶囊能够修复去卵巢骨质疏松症大鼠股骨微观结构破坏和股骨生物力学性能的下降,提示藤黄健骨胶囊具有良好的抗骨质疏松作用。     

Spinal coronal profiles and proximal femur bone mineral density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose

Although the occurrence and progression of AIS has been linked to low bone mineral density (BMD), the relationships between spinal curvature and bilateral differences in proximal femur BMD are controversial. Few correlation studies have stratified patients by curve type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between spinal coronal profile and bilateral differences in proximal femur BMD in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

This study included 67 patients with AIS who underwent posterior correction and fusion surgery between January 2009 and October 2011. The mean age at the time of surgery was 17.4 ± 4.1 years. Bilateral proximal femur BMD was measured before surgery by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We compared the proximal femur BMDs by determining the bilateral BMD ratio (left proximal femur BMD divided by that of the right). We evaluated correlations between coronal parameters, obtained from preoperative radiographs, and the BMD ratio using Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results

Patients with Lenke type 1 curve (48; all with a right convex curve) had a mean bilateral proximal femur BMD ratio of 1.00 ± 0.04. Patients with Lenke type 5 curve (19; all with a left convex curve) had a mean bilateral proximal femur BMD ratio of 0.94 ± 0.04, indicating that the BMD in the proximal femur on the right side (concave) was greater than that in the left (convex). Coronal balance was significantly correlated with the BMD ratio in both the Lenke type 1 and type 5 groups, with a correlation coefficient of 0.46 and 0.50, respectively.

Conclusions

The bilateral proximal femur BMD ratio was significantly correlated with the coronal balance in AIS patients. When the C7 plumb line was shifted toward one side, the BMD was greater in the contralateral proximal femur.     

Volumetric quantitative computed tomography of the proximal femur: relationships linking geometric and densitometric variables to bone strength. Role for compact bone

Introduction In assessing cervical fractures of the proximal femur, this in vitro quantitative computed tomography (QCT) study had three objectives: to compare QCT to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for predicting the failure load of the proximal femur, to compare the contributions of density and geometry to bone failure load, and to compare the contributions of cortical and trabecular bone to bone failure load. A novel three-dimensional (3D) analysis tool [medical image analysis framework (MIAF-Femur)] was used to analyze QCT scans. Methods The proximal ends of 28 excised femurs were studied (1) using QCT to separately measure bone mineral density (BMD) and geometric variables of trabecular and cortical bone, (2) using mechanical tests to failure in a stance configuration, and (3) using DXA to measure BMD. The variables were described with mean, standard deviation, and range. Correlation matrix and multivariate linear models were computed. Results Among correlations, cortical thicknesses of the femoral neck were significantly correlated with femoral failure load, especially of the inferoanterior quadrant (r ²=0.41; p<0.001), as was cortical volume at the “extended neck“ (r ²=0.41; p<0.001). Femoral failure load variance was best explained by a combination of QCT variables. Combining densitometric and geometric variables measured by QCT explained 76% of femoral failure load variance compared with 69% with the DXA model. Geometric variables (measured by QCT) explained 43% of femoral failure load variance compared with 72% for densitometric variables (measured by QCT). A model including only trabecular variables explained 52% of femoral failure load variance compared with 59% for a model including only cortical variables. Conclusion The QCT-MIAF reported here provides analysis of both geometric and densitometric variables characterizing cortical and trabecular bone. Confirmation of our results in an independent sample would suggest that QCT may better explain failure load variance for cervical fracture than the gold standard DXA-provided BMD. This work was supported in part by grants from EU, contract number: QLK6-CT-2002-02440-3DQCT     

Effects of exercise and disuse on bone remodeling, bone mass, and biomechanical competence in spontaneously diabetic female rats

Diabetes is associated with low bone formation. In this study we investigate the effect of additional or reduced mechanical loading on indices of bone formation and resorption, bone mass, and biomechanical properties in spontaneously diabetic BB rats. Female diabetic (mean age 13 weeks) and age-matched control rats were each allocated to three experimental groups: no-intervention; supervised running exercise program (Ex); and unloading induced by unilateral sciatic neurectomy (USN). The study period was 8 weeks. We measured biochemical parameters of bone formation (plasma osteocalcin) and resorption (urinary deoxypyridinoline [Dpd]); bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at middiaphyseal and metaphyseal regions of the femur; histomorphometry of the proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM); and biomechanical properties of the femur (neck, diaphysis, and metaphysis) and lumbar vertebra (L-5). In nondiabetic rats, Ex did not affect parameters of bone formation/resorption and BMD, and had little effect on biomechanical properties. USN increased Dpd excretion, whereas there was a decreased trabecular bone formation rate (BFR) on morphometry of PTM in both paralyzed and intact limbs. Compared with intact limbs, paralyzed limbs of USN rats showed decreased trabecular bone volume at the PTM, and decreased BMD and biomechanical properties at the distal femoral metaphysis (DFM) and, to a lesser extent, femoral neck. Diabetic rats of the three experimental groups had low plasma osteocalcin levels and Dpd excretion, as well as low BFR on morphometry. The BMD and biomechanical properties of both femur and L-5 were unchanged in diabetic rats. Diabetic Ex rats, however, showed a lower maximum load and stress at DFM than control Ex rats. Diabetic USN rats showed no increase in Dpd excretion; their paralyzed limbs showed decreased maximum load at DFM, but there was no significant decrease in trabecular bone volume at PTM or BMD at DFM. Thus, the running exercise does not affect low bone formation in diabetic rats; however, trabecular bone loss caused by disuse is less pronounced in diabetic rats, probably as a result of low bone resorption.     

Risk for developing osteoporosis in untreated premature menopause

Summary The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was determined by dual photon absorptiometry in 32 women with untreated premature menopause (cessation of menses before 45 years of age). The BMD of the spine and proximal femur in four obese patients was not different from the BMD of the age-matched controls. On the contrary, the BMD of the nonobese females with premature menopause was significantly lower with respect to the average values found in healthy young women, in age-matched and menopause-matched controls. The BMD deficit was greater over the lumbar spine than in the proximal femur. Forty three percent of nonobese patients were already under the vertebral fracture threshold and 25% of nonobese patients were below the hip fracture threshold. The BMD deficit in the lumbar spine was correlated to the loss observed in the femoral neck (r=0.59, P<0.001), in the trochanter (r=0.65, P<0.001) and in the Ward's triangle (r=0.73, P<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between years of menopause and the BMD of the lumbar spine (r=-0.39, P<0.05). The results indicate the high individual risk for osteoporotic fractures in nonobese females with untreated premature menopause. The BMD loss was greater over the skeletal areas that are predominantly composed of trabecular bone compared with cortical bone.     

Cortical bone finite element models in the estimation of experimentally measured failure loads in the proximal femur

Highly accurate nonlinear finite element (FE) models have been presented to estimate bone fracture load. However, these complex models require high computational capacity, which restricts their clinical applicability. The objective of this experimental FE study was to assess the predictive value of a more simple cortical bone simulation model in the estimation of experimentally measured fracture load of the proximal femur. The prediction was compared with that of DXA, and with the prediction of our previous, more complex FE model including trabecular bone. Sixty-one formalin-fixed cadaver femora (from 41 women and 20 men, age 55-100years) were scanned using a multi-detector CT and were mechanically tested for failure in a sideways fall loading configuration. Trabecular bone was completely removed from the FE models and only cortical bone was analyzed. The training set FE models (N=21) was used to establish the stress and strain thresholds for the element failure criteria. Bi-linear elastoplastic FE analysis was performed based on the CT images. The validation set (N=40) was used to estimate the fracture load. The estimated fracture load values were highly correlated with the experimental data (r(2)=0.73; p<0.001). The slope was 1.128, with an intercept of -360N, which was not significantly different from 1 and 0, respectively. DXA-based BMD and BMC correlated moderately with the fracture load (r(2)=0.41 and r(2)=0.40, respectively). The study shows that the proximal femoral failure load in a sideways fall configuration can be estimated with reasonable accuracy by using the CT-based bi-linear elastoplastic cortical bone FE model. This model was more predictive for fracture load than DXA and only slightly less accurate than a full bone FE model including trabecular bone. The accuracy and calculation time of the model give promises for clinical use.     

去卵巢后大鼠不同部位的骨组织计量学与骨密度研究

目的 观察大鼠去除卵巢后不同部位骨的骨组织计量学参数与骨密度以及两之间的相关性。方法 分别进行卵巢去除和伪手术，56d时处死大鼠，取离体胫骨，股骨测量骨密度与组织学参数%Tb.Ar,Tb.Th,Tb.N。结果 OVX后5d时，股骨远端和胫胫骨近端大部分骨组织计量学参数下降；全股骨和股骨远端1/3处骨密度降低；股骨部分骨组织计量学参数与骨密度测量值之间存在正相关性且差异有显性。结论 切除大鼠卵巢56d时，大鼠骨组织计量学参数下降显，骨密度测量以股骨较为敏感，骨组织计量学与骨密度测量值之间的相关性以股骨明显。     

Fuzzy Logic Structure Analysis of Trabecular Bone of the Calcaneus to Estimate Proximal Femur Fracture Load and Discriminate Subjects with and without Vertebral Fractures using High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 T and 3 T

Newly developed fuzzy logic-derived structural parameters were used to characterize trabecular bone architecture in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) of human cadaver calcaneus specimens. These parameters were compared to standard histomorphological structural measures and analyzed concerning performance in discriminating vertebral fracture status and estimating proximal femur fracture load. Sets of 60 sagittal 1.5 T and 3.0 T HR-MRI images of the calcaneus were obtained in 39 cadavers using a fast gradient recalled echo sequence. Structural parameters equivalent to bone histomorphometry and fuzzy logic-derived parameters were calculated using two chosen regions of interest. Calcaneal, spine, and hip bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were also obtained. Fracture status of the thoracic and lumbar spine was assessed on lateral radiographs. Finally, mechanical strength testing of the proximal femur was performed. Diagnostic performance in discriminating vertebral fracture status and estimating femoral fracture load was calculated using regression analyses, two-tailed t-tests of significance, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Significant correlations were obtained at both field strengths between all structural and fuzzy logic parameters (r up to 0.92). Correlations between histomorphological or fuzzy logic parameters and calcaneal BMD were mostly significant (r up to 0.78). ROC analyses demonstrated that standard structural parameters were able to differentiate persons with and without vertebral fractures (area under the curve [A_Z] up to 0.73). However, none of the parameters obtained in the 1.5-T images and none of the fuzzy logic parameters discriminated persons with and without vertebral fractures. Significant correlations were found between fuzzy or structural parameters and femoral fracture load. Using multiple regression analysis, none of the structural or fuzzy parameters were found to add discriminative value to BMD alone. In summary significant correlations were obtained at both field strengths between all structural and fuzzy logic parameters. However, fuzzy logic-based calcaneal parameters were not well suited for vertebral fracture discrimination. Although significant correlations were found between fuzzy or structural parameters and femoral fracture load, multiple regression analysis showed limited improvement for estimating femoral failure load in addition to femoral BMD alone. Local femoral measurements are still needed to estimate femoral bone strength. Overall, parameters obtained at 3.0 T performed better than those at 1.5 T.     

Structural Analysis of Trabecular Bone of the Proximal Femur Using Multislice Computed Tomography: A Comparison with Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry for Predicting Biomechanical Strength In Vitro

We investigated whether trabecular microstructural parameters determined in multislice spiral computed tomographic (MSCT) images of proximal femur specimens differed in male and female donors and improved the prediction of biomechanical strength of the femur compared to bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) determined with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the standard diagnostic technique. Proximal femur specimens (n = 119) were harvested from formalin-fixed human cadavers (mean age 80 ± 10 years). BMD was determined using DXA. Trabecular microstructural parameters (bone volume fraction, fractal dimension, and trabecular thickness, spacing, and number) were calculated in MSCT-derived images of the proximal femur. Failure load (FL) was measured using a biomechanical side-impact test. An age-, height-, and weight-matched subgroup (n = 54) was chosen to compare male and female donors. BMC, BMD, and structural parameters correlated significantly with FL, with r up to 0.75, 0.71, and 0.71, respectively. In a multiple regression model, an increase up to r = 0.82 was obtained when combining trabecular structural parameters and BMC. BMD differed between males and females only at the trochanter. BMC showed significant gender differences in all regions. This experimental study showed that a combination of BMC and microstructural parameters could improve the prediction of FL, suggesting that bone mass and trabecular structure carry overlapping but complementary information and that a combination of the two provides the best prediction of bone strength. Male donors had larger femora even after adjustment for body size and height, but no differences in trabecular structure were found between males and females.     

容积性定量CT测量股骨近端骨密度准确性研究

目的通过分别对比容积性定量CT(vQCT)、双能X射线吸收法(DXA)与灰化法测量股骨近端骨密度结果,确定并对比相关性,进行指导临床骨质疏松诊断及治疗。方法选取20个尸体股骨近端标本,先使用DXA骨密度仪扫描,测得骨矿含量(BMC)及骨密度(BMD)。再对标本相同部位行64层螺旋CT扫描,数据导入OsteoCAD软件自动分析得出骨密度值。应用灰化法得出标本灰质量密度。所有资料进行统计分析分别确定并对比vQCT及DXA测量的骨密度值与灰密度之间的相关性。结果vQCT测量股骨颈骨密度与灰质量密度线性相关性较好(r=0.852,P0.01),DXA与灰质量密度的相关性略差(r=0.807,P0.01)。结论vQCT测得的骨密度较DXA与灰质量密度线性相关性更好,可靠性高,对于诊断骨质疏松,预测骨质疏松性骨折,评价、指导骨质疏松骨折手术更有应用价值。     

Fracture Risk Assessment in Older Adults Using a Combination of Selected Quantitative Computed Tomography Bone Measures: A Subanalysis of the Age,Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study

Bone mineral density (BMD) and geometric bone measures are individually associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures. Whether an aggregate of these measures would better associate with fractures has not been examined. We examined relationships between self-reported fractures and selected bone measures acquired by quantitative computerized tomography (QCT), a composite bone score, and QCT-acquired dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry–like total femur BMD in 2110 men and 2682 women in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study. The combined bone score was generated by summing gender-specific Z-scores for 4 QCT measures: vertebral trabecular BMD, femur neck cortical thickness, femur neck trabecular BMD, and femur neck minimal cross-sectional area. Except for the latter measure, lower scores for QCT measures, singly and combined, showed positive (p < 0.05) associations with fractures. Results remained the same in stratified models for participants not taking bone-promoting medication. In women on bone-promoting medication, greater femur neck cortical thickness and trabecular BMD were significantly associated with fracture status. However, the association between fracture and combined bone score was not stronger than the associations between fracture and individual measures or total femur BMD. Thus, the selected measures did not all similarly associate with fracture status and did not appear to have an additive effect on fracture status.     

绝经后女性股骨近端骨密度与骨质疏松性骨折相关性研究

目的：研究绝经后女性股骨近端骨密度的变化规律与骨质疏松症、骨质疏松性骨折间的关系。方法采用法国Medlink公司Osteocore 3型双能X线骨密度仪,对本地区417例绝经后女性股骨颈、大转子、粗隆间、全髋进行骨密度测定。结果骨折组各年龄段、各部位的BMD均比非骨折组低（ P＜0．05）。随着年龄的增长,股骨近端骨量逐渐丢失,除了45～50组,其余各年龄段骨折组的患病率明显高于非骨折组（ P＜0．05）,骨密度值越低,骨折危险性越大。结论绝经后女性股骨近端骨密度与发生骨质疏松性骨折的风险呈明显负相关性,应该注意预防。     

Using Radon transform of standard radiographs of the hip to differentiate between post-menopausal women with and without fracture of the proximal femur

Summary  Texture features based on the Radon transform were extracted from clinical radiographs of the hip in post-menopausal women. The novel algorithm allowed us to identify patients with fracture of the proximal femur and may provide an alternative to measuring bone mineral density in predicting the fracture-risk in osteoporosis, especially where densitometry is regionally unavailable. Introduction  The aim of this study is to introduce an algorithm for differentiation between patients with and without fracture of the hip using parameters based on the Radon transform (RT) and applied to standard radiographs of the proximal femur and to compare the results with bone mineral density (BMD). Methods  The study comprised 50 post-menopausal women (78.6 ± 11.5 years of age), including 25 patients with hip fracture and 25 age-matched controls. We obtained lumbar and femoral BMD and standard femoral radiographs. In the radiographs we analysed trabecular patterns of the hip in a region-of-interest of 57 x 29 mm using the RT. From the histogram-representation of the RT, we extracted several characteristic parameters. By ROC and discriminant-analysis, we assessed the statistical power of both methods. Results  For correct differentiation between fracture and non-fracture cases by femoral BMD, area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.78; AUC for the RT-based parameters ranged from 0.73 to 0.8. By combination of densitometric and textural information in a multivariate model the fracture status of 84% of subjects was predicted correctly, identification of fracture cases rose to 88%. Conclusion  Identification of fracture patients by RT applied to femoral radiographs was feasible and seemed to have a discriminative potential comparable to that of standard densitometry. In the future, the new method may provide an alternative to DXA or in conjunction with conventional densitometry may enhance the detection of patients with elevated risk of hip fracture.     

Evaluation of trabecular microarchitecture in nonosteoporotic postmenopausal women with and without fracture

This study compared microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (μMRI) parameters of trabecular microarchitecture between postmenopausal women with and without fracture who have normal or osteopenic bone mineral density (BMD) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It included 36 postmenopausal white women 50 years of age and older with normal or osteopenic BMD (T-scores better than -2.5 at the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and one-third radius on DXA). Eighteen women had a history of low-energy fracture, whereas 18 women had no history of fracture and served as an age, race, and ultradistal radius BMD-matched control group. A three-dimensional fast large-angle spin-echo (FLASE) sequence with 137 μm × 137 μm × 400 μm resolution was performed through the nondominant wrist of all 36 women using the same 1.5T scanner. The high-resolution images were used to measure trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, surface-to-curve ratio, and erosion index. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare differences in BMD and μMRI parameters between postmenopausal women with and without fracture. Post-menopausal women with fracture had significantly lower (p < 0.05) trabecular bone volume fraction and surface-to-curve ratio and significantly higher (p < 0.05) erosion index than postmenopausal women without fracture. There was no significant difference between postmenopausal women with and without fracture in trabecular thickness (p = 0.80) and BMD of the spine (p = 0.21), proximal femur (p = 0.19), one-third radius (p = 0.47), and ultradistal radius (p = 0.90). Postmenopausal women with normal or osteopenic BMD who had a history of low-energy fracture had significantly different (p < 0.05) μMRI parameters than an age, race, and ultradistal radius BMD-matched control group of postmenopausal women with no history of fracture. Our study suggests that μMRI can be used to identify individuals without a DXA-based diagnosis of osteoporosis who have impaired trabecular microarchitecture and thus a heretofore-unappreciated elevated fracture risk.     

Measurement of bone mineral density at the spine and proximal femur by volumetric quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in elderly women with and without vertebral fractures.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of vertebral fracture status on trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) measurements obtained in the proximal femur and spine by helical volumetric quantitative computed tomography (vQCT). The study population consisted of 71 Italian women (average age 73 +/- 6) years. This group included 26 subjects with radiographically confirmed atraumatic vertebral fractures and 45 controls. The subjects received helical CT scans of the L1 and L2 vertebral bodies and the hip. The three-dimensional CT images were processed using specialized image analysis algorithms to extract measurements of trabecular, cortical, and integral BMD in the spine and hip. To compare the vQCT results with the most widely used clinical BMD measurement, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the anteroposterior (AP) spine and proximal femur were also obtained. The difference between the subjects with vertebral fractures and the age-matched controls was computed for each BMD measure. All BMD measurements showed statistically significant differences, which ranged from 7% to 22% between subjects with fractures and controls. Although, given our small sample size, we could not detect statistically significant differences in discriminatory power between BMD techniques, integral BMD of the spine measured by vQCT and DXA tended to show stronger associations with fracture status (0.001 < p < 0.004). Measurements by QCT and DXA at the hip were also associated with vertebral fracture status, although the association of DXA BMD with fracture status was explained largely by differences in body weight between subjects with vertebral fractures and controls.