[Bone mineral density investigation of normal women in Changsha by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and its clinical implications].

OBJECTIVE

To establish reference values of bone mineral density (BMD) in normal female.

METHODS

1,257 healthy women aged 15 to 96 years from Changsha were involved. BMD measurements were taken at various skeletal sites (anteroposterior and lateral lumbar spine, hip and forearm) by Hologic QDR4500A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

RESULTS

(1) The BMD value of Ward's triangle and major trochanter peaked early at the age of 20-24, while that of the one-third mid-distal forearm peaked late at 40-44 years old. (2) Significant loss of BMD (-6.4%, -10.8%) was found at lateral lumbar spine and Ward's triangle respectively before age 45. The acceleration of bone loss at various sites appeared both at age 45-64 and 75 with the maximum magnitude at Ward's triangle (64.4%) and minimum at one-third mid-distal forearm (29.0%-34.3%). (3) The rank of osteoporosis detection rate from high to low after age 40 was lateral lumbar spine (27.8%), forearm, Ward's triangle and anteroposterior lumbar spine (10.5%) and femur neck or major trochanter (10.1%).

CONCLUSION

BMD measurements are necessary in women after age of 40 years. The most sensitive sites for detecting osteoporosis are lateral lumbar spine, Ward's triangle and forearm.