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Cortical bone thickness is may be useful in the prediction of osteoporosis
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Investigators of this study found cortical bone thickness measurements from standard ankle radiographs were strongly associated with dual X-ray absorptiometry results, demonstrating cortical bone thickness measurement may be an efficient screening tool for osteoporosis.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed the charts of 167 consecutive adult patients with standardized ankle radiographs and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans each performed within a 6-month span. Investigators used both the gauge and average methods on the standardized anteroposterior, lateral and hindfoot alignment radiographs to measure cortical bone thickness (CBT). Pearson correlations were used to assess associations between the cortical bone thickness in the distal part of the tibia and findings from DXA of the hip, proximal part of femur and lumbar spine. Investigators determined the ability of CBT thresholds for the prediction of osteoporosis with a subgroup analysis.
Findings showed the CBT average measurements on the anteroposterior, lateral and hindfoot alignment radiographs strongly associated with DXA findings of the hip, proximal part of femur and the lumbar spine. Investigators noted excellent interrater and intrarater reliability of the CBT measurements.
According to researchers, use of 3.5 mm average CBT of the distal part of the tibia on anteroposterior radiographs as a threshold for the prediction of osteoporosis showed 100% sensitivity, 25% specificity and 33% accuracy. The positive predictive value of this method was 19%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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