Estimation of bone mineral density with hounsfield unit measurement

Abstract

Objective

Although dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard for the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), degenerative spine and spinal instrumentation yields inaccurate results, warranting the need for optional methods.

Methods

Surgical options depend on the BMD of the patients, and to accommodate this need, we compared Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans with the T-scores obtained from DXA scans to inquire whether HU measurements can screen for BMD. In this study, we also evaluated the relationship between body mass index and spontaneous fractures.

Results

Based on the findings described in this study, we provide evidence that HU measurements obtained from CT scans can predict BMD.

Conclusions

This, therefore, allows HU measurements to be used as an effective diagnostic method in lieu of DXA scans when deciding on appropriate management of therapy for patients with spinal instrumentation or degenerative spines.

Keywords:

• Bone mineral density
• hounsfield unit
• osteoporosis
• degenerative spine

Acknowledgments

Preparation for publication of this article is partly supported by Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

Ethical approval

Ethics committee approval was obtained for this protocol (number 47) on 16/03/2018.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).