Metacarpal bone mass in normal and osteoporotic Japanese women using computed X-ray densitometry

Abstract

The metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) and metacarpal index (MCI) of the second metacarpal bone were measured by computed X-ray densitometry (CXD) (Teijin Ltd., Tokyo), which we have established with the development of microdensitometry of radiographs. In this study, we evaluated the basic attributes of this CXD method and determined the age-related changes in both metacarpal measurements in normal Japanese women. The precision in vivo was measured in eight subjects. The precision errors [coefficient of variation (CV)] were 0.2-1.2% CV for metacarpal BMD and 0.4-2.0% CV for MCI, respectively. We have obtained low precision error and more rapid analysis, within 3 minutes respectively, compared with the previous methods. Age-related changes in the metacarpal measurements were evaluated in 1438 normal women. Both measurements showed the most significant decrease in the sixth decade of life. The rate of decrease in the sixth decade was 1.6%/year for metacarpal BMD and 1.5%/year for MCI. On comparison between metacarpal BMD by CXD and spine BMD using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 248 normal women with and without menstruation, the two measurements were found to be similarly decreased in the subjects within 5 years after menopause. There was also no significant difference in the Z-score between metacarpal BMD and spine BMD within 5 years after menopause. These results indicate that early postmenopausal bone loss occurs not only in the spine but also in the metacarpal bone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Relation of lifestyle factors to metacarpal bone mineral density was different depending on menstrual condition and years since menopause in Japanese women

“…This ®nding was in agreement with previous reports using metacarpal methods (Matsumoto et al, 1994). A study on the rate of Figure 1 The relationship of years since menopause to metacarpal bone mineral density.…”

“…Measurement of metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) by computed X-ray densitometry (CXD) has been reported to be a fast, inexpensive and safe method with a high rate of precision, and it is widely available for monitoring BMD and fracture risk (Matsumoto et al, 1994;Ross, 1997). This method has been widely used for screening for osteoporosis in many health care centers in Japan (Fukunaga et al, 1997).…”

“…Estrogen levels drop dramatically after menopause, and BMD begins to decrease exponentially for a few years even in the metacarpal bones (Matsumoto et al, 1994;Adami et al, 1996). This suggests that the relation between lifestyle factors and BMD would be clearly demonstrated if the relation were examined in study based on a classi®cation into premenopausal, early postmenopausal and late postmenopausal women.…”

Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Hip Fractures Among Disabled Elderly Stroke Patients

“…20 Metacarpal BMD measurements and laboratory values were assessed on study entry to obtain baseline values. Computed x-ray densitometry (CXD) (Teijin Diagnostics) 21 employing an improved microdensitometric method was used to quantify BMD in both second metacarpals of each patient, as previously described. 22 The computer algorithm for CXD compares bone radiodensity with the gradations of an aluminum step wedge, calculating bone thickness as an aluminum equivalent (mm Al) showing the same x-ray absorption.…”

Assessment of Bone Quality by Quantitative Ultrasound of Proximal Phalanges of the Hand and Fracture Rate in Children and Adolescents with Bone and Mineral Disorders

“…Therefore, the reduced AD-SoS values in children and adolescents with bone and mineral disorders probably reflect a decreased BMD and structural changes of both cortical and trabecular bone. Furthermore, it has been shown that phalangeal QUS reflects a bone turnover similar to that of the skeleton as a whole (49), and that early postmenopausal bone loss in women occurs in the metacarpals as well as in the spine (55). Almost 40% of patients suffered fractures in the 6 mo preceding bone measurements.…”