Accuracy of single-energy quantitative computed tomography in the assessment of bone mineral density of cervical vertebrae

Abstract

Earlier studies have shown that single-energy quantitative computed tomography (SEQCT) is a reliable method for bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, SEQCT has proved to be a useful parameter in the selection of appropriate implants in cervical spondylodesis. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of SEQCT in cervical vertebrae BMD measurement. BMD with reference to calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) was assessed by SEQCT in 100 human vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. Bone cylinders were then cut from the appropriate region of interest. The cylinder volume was determined by the liquid displacement technique. The density of the mineral component was measured following incineration at 1100 degrees C for 24 h. The calculated BMD was correlated with the SEQCT values, resulting in a coefficient of r = 0.79 (P < 0.01). Mean SEQCT values were significantly lower than those determined by direct density assessment (t-test for coupled sampling, P < 0.02). This result was in agreement with studies on thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. These data suggest that SEQCT can reliably measure BMD in the cervical spine.

Evaluation of a new monocortical screw for anterior cervical fusion and plating by a combined biomechanical and clinical study

“…The biomechanical test was performed using 12 cadaveric human spinal specimen C4-C7 with a mean BMD of 214 mg/cm 3 , range 135-264 mg/cm 3 , which is in the range of normal quality reported by another study [19]. Pure moments without preload and neglecting muscle forces, thus not representing the real physiological loading of the cervical spine, were used.…”

Evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone quality in mandible and cervical vertebrae

“…In recent literature, several approaches have been introduced to measure and compare mandibular and skeletal BQ (von Wowern & Melsen 1979;Kribbs et al 1989Kribbs et al , 1990Horner et al 1996;Taguchi et al 1996;Zink et al 1997;Horner & Devlin 1998a, 1998bPluskiewicz et al 2000;Southard et al 2000;Drozdzowska et al 2002;Mohajery & Brooks 1992;Celenk & Celenk 2008a, 2008b. One impetus behind this new research has been the desire to examine jaw BQ before osseo-integrated implant treatment has begun.…”

“…This is because the trabecular fields in these bones are relatively large. Trabecular fields are the sites where the most frequent metabolic alterations occur (Zink et al 1997). Trabecular fields within the cervical vertebrae can be used in evaluation of BQ alterations (Zink et al 1997;Yoganandan et al 2006;Celenk & Celenk 2008a, 2008b.…”