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Accuracy of lateral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for the determination of bone mineral content in the thoracic and lumbar spine: an in vitro study

¹ Department of Radiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington Street, Western Australia ² Department of Physiotherapy, Curtin University, Western Australia ³ Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia

Lateral scanning with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was undertaken on 153 thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies from nine individuals (mean age 67; range 34–92 years) to establish their bone mineral content (BMC). All specimens were subsequently de-fatted and ashed to compare ash weight with BMC of the Tl to L5 segments. Linear regression analysis indicated a higher correlation between BMC and measured ash weights for each vertebral column (range: r = 0.97 0.99), with error analysis for all vertebrae tested showing a standard error of 0.40 g, or 10.8%. For the L2 4 segments the accuracy error was 0.50 g or 7.9%. In both cases there was a mean trend towards underestimation of ash weight. Mean BMC values of the T1 to T5 segments were similar before a progressive increase caudally. These data affirm the utility of DXA for determining bone mineral content in the vertebral column across wide ranges of age, and segmental and bone density.

Received for publication May 26, 1992. Revision received September 8, 1992. Accepted for publication September 21, 1992.