Quantification of bone mineral density at 3rd lumbar vertebra by dual photon absorptiometry in healthy subjects

Bone mineral density (BMD), by dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), at the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) was measured in healthy subjects (37 males and 49 females). BMD values on 1 slice of vertebral body (L3), employed as a routine, showed good correlation to the mean BMD values, calculated from multiple slices of whole L3. BMD values, by DPA, at L3 were better correlation to concentrations of bone mineral equivalent material, by quantitative computed tomography, at the trabecular bone of L3 than to BMD values, by single photon absorptiometry, at distal radius (predominantly cortical bone). Furthermore, by this DPA technique, bone diminution at L3 with aging was shown in both sexes. These data suggest that measurements of BMD by DPA is greatly useful for evaluating the spinal bone mineral content. (author)