人体双髋骨密度分布规律研究

目的 探索人体双髋骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)的分布规律,为选择髋部感兴趣区提供依据.方法 用GE Lunar Prodigy型双能X线骨密度仪(dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,DXA)测量受检者双髋BMD,感兴趣区选择股骨颈和全髋部.结果 共检测301例,其中男性135例,左右侧股骨颈BMD差值为(0.004±0.048)g/cm~2,左右侧全髋部BMD差值为(0.006±0.042)g/cm~2,差异均无统计学意义;高低侧股骨颈BMD差值为(0.038±0.029)g/cm~2[95%CI(0.034,0.043)],高低侧全髋部BMD差值为(0.035±0.025)g/cm~2[95%CI(0.030,0.039)].女性166例,左右侧股骨颈BMD差值为(0.006±0.040)g/cm~2,左右侧全髋部BMD差值为(0.003±0.036)g/cm~2,差异均无统计学意义;高低侧股骨颈BMD差值为(0.032±0.025)g/cm~2[95%CI(0.028,0.036)],高低侧全髋部BMD差值为(0.030±0.021)g/cm~2[95%CI(0.027,0.033)].无论男性还是女性,髋部股骨颈BMD与全髋部BMD呈正相关.结论 人体左右侧髋部感兴趣区BMD总体分布基本一致,但个体髋部存在优势侧与非优势侧,建议测量双侧髋部BMD,并报告较低的一侧.     

股骨干骺段骨密度对股骨质量评价作用的研究

目的 探讨股骨干骺段骨密度对股骨质量评价作用。方法 ３０侧股骨标本行骨密度与Ｓｉｎｇｈ指数测定,并行生物力学测试。结果 股骨干骺段骨密度与其他骨密度指标及Ｘｉｎｇｈ指数、假体的稳定性高度相关。结论 股骨干骺段骨密度是评价股骨质量的良好指标。     

Reduced bone perfusion in proximal femur of subjects with decreased bone mineral density preferentially affects the femoral neck

Using dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging, this study investigated perfusion of the proximal femur in subjects with normal BMD, low bone mass and osteoporosis. Study cohort comprised healthy elderly Hong Kong Chinese volunteers consisting of 107 males (74.4 ± 4.2 years, mean ± SD) and 135 females (73.9 ± 4.3 years). Right proximal femur BMD measurement by DXA and MR perfusion imaging (maximum enhancement, E^max and enhancement slope, E^slope) of the femoral head, neck, and proximal shaft were carried out within a one month interval. Normal BMD, low bone mass and osteoporotic subjects accounted for 46.7%, 44.9%, and 8.4% of males; and 32.6%, 43.7%, and 23.7% of females. Perfusion indices showed that femoral head perfusion was less perfused compared to the femoral shaft (E^max and E^slope indices of head region = 28% of shaft region). Compared with normal BMD subjects, E^max of femoral head, neck, and proximal femur shaft were reduced by 15 ± 5% (mean ± standard error); 40 ± 4%; 15 ± 5% respectively for low bone mass subjects, and 36 ± 4%; 50 ± 6%; 47 ± 6% respectively for osteoporotic subjects. E^slope of femoral head, neck, and proximal femur shaft were reduced by 17 ± 7%; 41 ± 5%; 4 ± 7% for low bone mass subjects and 50 ± 5%, 62 ± 5%, 34 ± 8% for osteoporotic subjects. In low bone mass and osteoporotic subjects there was a tendency for perfusion in the femoral neck to reduce to a greater degree relative to that in the femoral head and shaft.     

Clinical and panoramic predictors of femur bone mineral density

Dentists are a potentially valuable resource for initial patient screening for signs of osteoporosis, as individuals with osteoporosis have altered architecture of the inferior border of the mandible as seen on panoramic radiographs. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of combining clinical and dental panoramic radiographic risk factors for identifying individuals with low femoral bone mass. Bone mineral density was measured at the femoral neck and classified as normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic using WHO criteria in 227 Japanese postmenopausal women (33–84 years). Panoramic radiographs were made of all subjects. Mandibular cortical shape and width was determined and trabecular features were measured in each ramus. Mean subject age, height, and weight were significantly different in the three bone-density groups (P<0.0001). A classification and regression trees (CART) analysis using just clinical risk factors identified 136 (87%) of the 157 individuals with femoral osteopenia or osteoporosis. Mean mandible cortical width (P<0.0001), cortical index (P<0.0001) and trabecular features (P=0.02) were also significantly different in the three bone density groups. A CART analysis considering only radiographic features found 130 (83%) of the 157 individuals with femoral osteopenia or osteoporosis, although none of the subjects with osteoporosis was correctly identified. A CART analysis using both clinical and radiographic features found that the most useful risk factors were thickness of inferior border of the mandible and age. This algorithm identified 130 (83%) of the 157 individuals with femoral osteopenia or osteoporosis. The results of this study suggest that 1) clinical information is as useful as panoramic radiographic information for identifying subjects having low bone mass, and 2) dentists have sufficient clinical and radiographic information to play a useful role in screening for individuals with osteoporosis.     

Bilateral measurement of femoral bone mineral density.

Both femora were measured on 61 normal adults using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In a subset of 31 subjects, each femur was scanned once using the conventional leg-positioning device supplied with the densitometer, and once using a new positioning device and software that allowed both legs to be measured simultaneously. In another subgroup (n = 30), subjects were measured three times using the new dual-femur approach to better assess precision error. The data were analyzed for differences owing to the different positioning devices and for differences between right and left sides. The correlation between results with the old and new positioners was high (r > 0.99, standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 0.01-0.02 g/cm(2)). There was no significant difference in the average bone mineral density (BMD) values between the old and new positioner. The precision errors for each femur alone with the dual-femur approach were similar to those reported for the single-femur scans (1 to 2%), but the precision errors for the combined femora were reduced by 30% as expected. The correlation between right and left sides was high (r = 0.94-0.96), and the SEE in predicting one side from the other was moderate for total, trochanteric, and femoral neck BMD (0.05, 0. 05, and 0.06 g/cm(2), respectively). These SEE equate to about 0.5 standard deviation in terms of T-score. Differences in many individual cases between the right and left sides were significantly greater than the precision error. The new dual-femur software and leg positioner allows rapid measurement and analysis of both femora, thereby eliminating the uncertainty between sides.     

Preferential low bone mineral density of the femoral neck in patients with a recent fracture of the proximal femur

Bone mass is an important determinant of resistance to fractures. Whether bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with a fracture of the proximal femur (hip fracture) is different from that of age-matched controls is still debated. We measured BMD of the femoral neck (FN) on the opposite side to the fracture, as well as femoral shaft (FS) and lumbar spine (LS) BMD by dual-photon absorptiometry in 68 patients (57 women and 11 men, mean age 78.8±1.0) 12.4±0.8 days after hip fracture following a moderate trauma. These values were compared with BMD of 93 non-fractured elderly control subjects (82 women and 11 men), measured during the same period. As compared with the controls, FN BMD was significantly lower in fractured women (0.592±0.013 v. 0.728±0.014 g/cm²,P<0.001) and in fractured men (0.697±0.029 v. 0.840±0.052,P<0.05). Expressed as standard deviations above or below the mean BMD of age and sex-matched normal subjects (Z-score), the difference in FN BMD between fractured women and controls was highly significant (–0.6±0.1 v. +0.1±0.1,P<0.001). As compared with mean BMD of young normal subjects, BMD was decreased by 36.9±1.4 and 22.4±1.5% (P<0.001) in fractured and control women, respectively. There was no significant difference between FN BMD of 33 women with cervical and 24 with trochanteric hip fractures (0.603±0.017 v. 0.577±0.020). FN BMD was lower than 0.705 g/cm² in 90% of fractured women. The prevalence of fracture increased with decreasing FN BMD, reaching 100% with values below 0.500 g/cm². FS and LS BMD were significantly lower in women with hip fracture than in controls (1.388±0.036 v. 1.580±0.030,P<0.001, for FS, and 0.886±0.027 v. 0.985±0.023,P<0.01, for LS), but these differences were not significant when expressed as a Z-score. In men with a recent hip fracture, FS BMD was significantly lower than in controls (1.729±0.096 v. 2.069±0.062,P<0.01), but the difference at the LS level did not reach statistical significance. These results indicate that both women and men with a recent hip fracture had decreased bone mineral density of the femoral neck, femoral shaft and lumbar spine. However, the difference appeared to be of higher magnitude for the femoral neck suggesting a preferential bone loss at this site.     

Changes of the bone mineral density in proximal femur following total hip resurfacing arthroplasty in osteonecrosis of femoral head

Total hip resurfacing arthroplasty (THRA) is being performed with increasing frequency for osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH). To evaluate femoral bone remodeling in ONFH after THRA and determine the impact of stem‐neck angle (SNA) of inserted femoral component on bone remodeling, we monitored the changes in BMD in proximal femur in 23 patients with ONFH after surgery. Patients were divided into group A (SNA ≥ 5°) and group B (SNA < 5°). The BMD was measured in seven Gruen zones and two neck zones using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry preoperatively, then at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. At all ROIs, the BMD decreased significantly by 3 months postoperatively. The BMD ceased to decrease and reversed by 6 months. The BMD in neck increased significantly in group A, compared with group B at 24 months. The BMD increased 2% at ROI1 at 24 months in both groups, and at ROI7, the BMD in group A reversed to baseline value by 6 months and increased 5.81% at 24 months. These findings implied that the bone stock of proximal femur in ONFH can be well reserved after total hip resurfacing arthroplasty with valgus positioning of the femoral component. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:453–459, 2008     

Relationship of femoral neck areal bone mineral density to volumetric bone mineral density, bone size, and femoral strength in men and women

Summary

Using combined dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography, we demonstrate that men matched with women for femoral neck (FN) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) have lower volumetric BMD (vBMD), higher bone cross-sectional area, and relatively similar values for finite element (FE)-derived bone strength.

Introduction

aBMD by DXA is widely used to identify patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures. aBMD is influenced by bone size (i.e., matched for vBMD, larger bones have higher aBMD), and increasing evidence indicates that absolute aBMD predicts a similar risk of fracture in men and women. Thus, we sought to define the relationships between FN aBMD (assessed by DXA) and vBMD, bone size, and FE-derived femoral strength obtained from quantitative computed tomography scans in men versus women.

Methods

We studied men and women aged 40 to 90?years and not on osteoporosis medications.

Results

In 114 men and 114 women matched for FN aBMD, FN total cross-sectional area was 38% higher (P?P?Conclusions In this cohort of young and old men and women from Rochester, MN, USA who are matched by FN aBMD, because of the offsetting effects of bone size and vBMD, femoral strength and the load-to-strength ratio tended to be relatively similar across the sexes.     

Preservation of bone mineral density of the proximal femur following hemisurface arthroplasty

Bone mineral density of the proximal femur was measured in six patients who underwent hemisurface replacement for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Bone mineral density values in operated and contralateral nonoperated hips were compared. In four patients who had sequential examinations, bone mineral density was compared over time. Average patient age was 34.6 years, average follow-up was 9.1 years, and mean follow-up of bone mineral density measurements was 6.6 years. Average bone mineral density variation was 0.0048 to -0.0264 g/cm2 per year in all five regions in nonoperated hips and -0.012 to -0.0300 g/cm2 in operated hips. These results support bone conservation and preservation with hemiresurfacing arthroplasty in young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.     

大鼠模型骨矿密度测量的新方法

本文介绍使用活性极弱的１２５Ｉ液体源测量大鼠模型骨矿密度的新方法。利用目前国内使用较多的ＳＰＡ─４型骨矿分析仪［１］，在其扫描臂上部的下端再加装一个有Φ２．５×６的出射孔的铅室，铅室内部尺寸可以安装１２５Ｉ液体源标准安瓿瓶，瓶内有０．１～０．２ｍｌ液体，其１２５Ｉ活性为１×Ｉ０９Ｂｑ（２７ｍＣｉ），１２５Ｉ的２７．５ｋｅＶ低能γ射线由铅室的出射孔向下发出。改进后即把检测人的２４ｌＡｍ单光子骨矿密度仪变成大鼠模型的１２５Ｉ单光子骨矿密度仪。检测精度为±１．７％，不确定度为（３～５）％。     

Periprosthetic bone mineral density of the distal femur after total knee arthroplasty

Summary Evaluation of the bone mineral density (BMD) was performed in the distal femur around the femoral component of a total knee prosthesis. A total of 48 females were enrolled for this study, including 14 with osteoarthritis of one knee undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an Osteonics prosthesis, 14 with osteoarthritis of one knee undergoing TKA with a Whiteside prosthesis, and 20 age-matched normal controls. The BMDs of both knees were measured before operation, and then at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. The preliminary results demonstrate a significant progressive decrease of BMD in the distal femur of the operated knees after TKA, whereas the BMD of the non-operated knees remains stable. The ratio of BMD between the operated femur and the non-operated femur began to decrease 6 months after operation, and was most obvious at the end of the first year (ranging from 7% to 27%). Further investigation is essential to determine the clinical significance of this loss of periprosthetic bone.

---

Résumé L'étude de la densité minérale osseuse (DMO) du fémur distal porteur d'une prothèse totale a été réalisée. Quarante-huit femmes ont fait l'objet de cette étude. 14 d'entre-elles présentaient une gonarthrose unilatérale et ont eu une arthroplastie totale avec une prothèse Osteonics; 14 autres, toujours avec une gonarthrose unilatérale ont eu une arthroplastie totale avec une prothèse Whiteside; enfin, 20 patientes, de même tranche d'âges sans arthrose du genou ont servi de groupe témoin. La densité minérale des deux genoux fut mesurée avant l'opération, puis à 3, 6 et 12 mois après intervention. Les résultats préliminaires montrent une diminution progressive et significative de la densité minérale dans le fémur distal des genoux opérés par arthroplastie totale. La densité des genoux non opérés reste stable. Le rapport des densités entre fémur opéré et fémur non opéré commence à décroitre 6 mois après l'opération et est le plus marqué à la fin de la première année (de 7 à 27%). D'autres investigations sont nécessaires pour évaluer la signification clinique de la diminution de densité de l'os périprothétique.

     

Differential effects of hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density and axial transmission ultrasound measurements in cortical bone

The menopause has a large effect on bone density, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for preventing postmenopausal bone loss. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HRT use on speed of sound (SOS) measurements at the radius, tibia, phalanx, and metatarsal with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. The study population consisted of 278 healthy premenopausal women, 194 healthy postmenopausal women, and 126 healthy postmenopausal women currently receiving HRT for one or more years. SOS measurements were taken at the radius, tibia, phalanx, and metatarsal using the Sunlight Omnisense, and BMD measurements at the lumbar spine and proximal femur using Hologic QDR-4500 densitometers. Z-scores were calculated using the postmenopausal control group. Z-score differences between the postmenopausal controls and HRT group, for the entire group and with the HRT group subdivided into three groups based on duration of HRT usage, were calculated. Significant postmenopausal bone loss was found for all SOS and BMD measurements. A positive effect of HRT usage was found for all SOS measurement sites and lumbar spine BMD, although only the radius and tibia SOS and lumbar spine BMD reached statistical significance. The Z-score differences between the two groups were 0.44, 0.37, 0.15, and 0.26 for the radius, tibia, phalanx, and metatarsal SOS respectively, and 0.28, 0.00, and -0.03 for the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD respectively. A clear effect of the duration of HRT use was seen for the radius measurements, the differences being less marked elsewhere. In conclusion, these results demonstrate a positive effect of HRT on SOS measurements at the radius and tibia and BMD measurements of the lumbar spine.     

Correlation of bone mineral density and femoral neck hardness in bovine and human samples

Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 353 healthy white women using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Measurements were made of both the posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral spine, as well as the proximal femur (neck and Ward's triangle). From age 50 to 80 years, the BMD of the PA spine and femur neck BMD had an 18% diminution (0.6%/year), and BMD of the lateral spine showed about a 35–40% decline (1.4%/year). The Ward's triangle region of the femur was not quite as decreased (30% or 1.1%/year). The BMD decrease associated with aging did not differ as much among sites when expressed relative to the intrapopulation variation rather than as a percentage. The Z-score for PA spine and femur neck BMD (-1.1) was significantly different than that for lateral spine BMD (-1.6); Ward's triangle was intermediate (-1.3), i.e., the lateral spine still showed the highest sensitivity to aging. However, the ability to detect age changes in an individual subject can be increased only if the precision error for lateral spine BMD is not increased to a greater extent than the sensitivity.Deceased     

全髋关节表面置换术后股骨近端骨密度的变化

目的评价全髋关节表面置换术对股骨近端骨量变化的影响。方法2002年7月至2005年6月,对行全髋关节表面置换术（表面置换组）和人工全髋关节置换术（全髋置换组）各26例患者作为研究对象,均在术前、术后3、6、12和24个月时对股骨近端按Gruen分区设为7个测量感兴趣区,表面置换组加股骨颈外上和内下区,应用双能X线吸收测定仪测定骨密度,比较两组术前和术后股骨近端骨密度变化。结果术后3、6、12和24个月时,表面置换组股骨近端骨密度分别降低5．8％、4．9％、2．6％和0．4％;测量感兴趣区1的骨密度术后6个月时降至89．7％,至24个月时增至103．8％;测量感兴趣区7的骨密度术后6个月时降至95．1％,24个月时增至103．7％;股骨颈部骨密度在术后6个月时即可恢复至术前水平,股骨颈外上区的骨密度术后3个月时降至97．1％,术后24个月时增至107．4％（P〈0．05）;股骨颈内下区的骨密度术后24个月时增至117．9％（P〈0．05）。全髋置换组股骨近端骨密度分别降低7．0％、10．6％、1．0％和4．1％。测量感兴趣区1的骨密度术后6个月降至90．8％,术后24个月时为94．4％;测量感兴趣区7术后3个月降至94．2％,术后24个月时为96．7％。结论全髋关节表面置换术后股骨近端骨量可以得到有效保存和恢复。     

Changes in bone mineral density of the proximal femur after total knee arthroplasty

This study investigates the relationship between total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the same and opposite hips. The study prospectively evaluated 24 consecutive patients undergoing TKA (31 knees, 47 hips). The mean follow-up was 48 months. The mean age at latest follow-up was 69 years, and all patients had the preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis. BMD of the hip was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Despite a predicted age-related loss of 4% during 2 years, 45% of the hips on the operative side and 59% of the hips on the nonoperative side had BMD higher than preoperative levels. Of hips, 81% on the operative side and 82% on the nonoperative side had BMD that was within the expected 4% age-related loss. Assuming that higher hip BMD may be protective against later hip fractures, the results infer that, by increasing hip BMD, TKA may be protective against later hip fractures. The increase with TKA in patient mobility and the increased hip loading may be a mechanism whereby the hip BMD increases.     

股骨近端骨密度的测量

双能X线骨密度仪检测骨密度是诊断骨质疏松症和疗效随访的金标准,特别是髋部骨密度的测量对于骨折的预测尤其测定部位本身骨折的预测作用较大.由于脊柱部位的骨密度测量值易受到脊柱退行性疾病的病理改变如退行性侧凸、骨赘增生、腰椎间盘突出等影响,测量的准确性下降.因而近年来欧美国家临床试验也好或者骨质疏松诊疗也好,大都以股骨近端的BMD测定为标准.本文就股骨近端解剖特点、骨密度测量的意义、方法以及测量的注意点作一个综述,以期帮助临床医生或技术员全面评估股骨近端骨密度测定的意义.     

Race and sex differences in bone mineral density and geometry at the femur

IntroductionDifferences in osteoporotic hip fracture incidence between American whites and blacks and between women and men are considered to result, in part, from differences in bone mineral density and geometry at the femur. The aim of this study was to quantify differences in femoral bone density and geometry between a large sample of healthy American white and black women and men.Subjects and methodsHealthy American white (n = 612) and black (n = 164) premenopausal women, aged 23 to 57 years, and healthy American white (n = 492) and black (n = 169) men, aged 20 to 63 years, had volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and geometry variables measured at the femur by computerized tomography (CT), and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at femoral neck measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).ResultsAmerican blacks had higher vBMD at the femoral neck and femoral shaft cortex than American whites whereas femoral axis length and femoral neck area were not different. Men had lower vBMD at the femoral neck and femoral cortex than women but had greater femoral axis length and femoral neck area than women. The higher aBMD in American blacks than whites persisted after correction for measured area whereas the higher aBMD in men than women disappeared.ConclusionsAt the femoral neck, American whites have lower bone density than American blacks but similar geometry. Women have higher bone density than men in both races but have smaller geometry variables. The differences in bone density may account in part for the differences in hip fracture incidence between American blacks and whites, whereas the differences in femur size may account for the differences in hip fracture rates between men and women.     

The genetics of proximal femur geometry,distribution of bone mass and bone mineral density

To estimate genetic effects on femoral neck geometry and the distribution of bone mineral within the proximal femur a cross-sectional twin analysis was carried out at a university hospital that compared correlations in these traits in pairs of mono- and dizygo-tic female twins. Monozygotic (MZ, n=51 pairs, age 49.1±9.3 years) and dizygotic (DZ, n=26 pairs, age 45.7±11.3 years) twins were randomly selected from a larger sample of twins previously studied. Measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck angles and length, cross-sectional area and moment of interia, the center of mass of the narrowest cross-section of the femoral neck, and BMDs of regions within the femoral neck were made. A summary index of the resistance of the femoral neck to forces experienced in a fall with impact on the greater trochanter (Fall Index, FI) was calculated. MZ pair intraclass correlations (rMZ) were significantly (p<0.05) different from zero for all bone mass and femoral geometry variables (0.35<rMZ<0.82). DZ pair correlations (rDZ) were lower thanrMZ for all variables (0.04<rDZ<0.52) except femoral neck length (rDZ=0.38, rMZ=0.36). After adjustment for BMD of the femoral neck,rMZ was significantly greater thanrDZ, yielding high heritability estimates for regional BMDs (0.72<H ²<0.78), the center of mass of the femoral neck (H ²=0.70, –0.04 to 1.43 95% CI) and the resistance of the femoral neck to forces experienced in a fall (FI,H ²=0.94, 0.06 to 1.85 95% CI), but not for femoral neck length. Adjustments for age did not alter these findings. It is concluded that there are significant familial influences on the distribution of femoral bone mass and on the calculated structural strength of the proximal femur, but not on femoral neck length. If the assumptions of the twin model are correct, this is evidence for genetic factors influencing these traits.     

The effect of age and menopause on bone mineral density of the proximal femur

Although the menopause has been associated with increased bone loss at several skeletal sites, it has not previously been noted in the hip, yet estrogen therapy has been reported to reduce the incidence of hip fractures. We investigated the effect of age and menopause on bone loss in the proximal femur by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanter by dual-photon absorptiometry in 263 normal women aged 20-84. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant decrease in BMD of the femoral neck and Ward's triangle with age in both pre- and postmenopausal women (p less than 0.001). In the trochanter the decrease with age was significant only in postmenopausal women (p less than 0.001). Further analysis revealed that BMD decreased faster at all sites in the early postmenopausal years. During the first 6 years postmenopause, the decrease in BMD of the femoral neck and trochanter was 3-10 times higher than the change in the decade prior to menopause. About 20% of the lifetime femoral neck loss and 30% of the trochanteric loss occurred in the early postmenopausal period. It is concluded that both age and menopause are major determinants of BMD in the proximal femur. These findings could explain why estrogen therapy has been reported to prevent hip fracture. The rapid early postmenopausal loss in BMD of the proximal femur demonstrates the importance of starting estrogen replacement therapy immediately after menopause for maximum effect.