Abstract:
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Purpose: To establish a quantitative computed tomography osteodensitometry protocol in pediatric patients measuring spongy bone density in only one lumbar vertebra and to determine normal values and a threshold for spontaneous vertebral fracture.
Methods and Materials: In a prospective study we performed 110 osteodensitometry tests in 94 patients (mean age 13 years, range 2 months to 23 years). 36 patients with normal bone mineral density consented to the test while being investigated by CT for non-related reasons. 58 patients had suspected bone mineral loss.
Results: The average trabecular bone density in healthy individuals was equivalent to 157 mg Ca-hydroxyapatite (Ca-HA) per ml bone with a difference between boys (147 mg Ca-HA/ml) and girls (165 mg Ca-HA/ml). There was a increase during the first and second decade; the density in early adolescence was lower than of young adult patients. Patients with fractures were below 70 mg/ml Ca-hydroxyapatite with one exception, where there was compression of the vertebral bodies.
Conclusion: In healthy patients, bone mineral density was lowest in pre-pubertal children. During the late adolescence density values increase. Fractures of vertebral bodies occur below a trabecular bone density of about 70 mg Ca-HA/ml.
Questions about this event email: gerhard.alzen@uniklinikum-giessen.de
Alzen MD, G,
Quantitative Computed Tomography in Risk Evaluation of Spontaneous Vertebral Fractures in Children. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107635.html
