The symmetry of hip bone mineral density. A dual photon absorptiometry approach.

Dual photon absorptiometry studies were performed on the hips of 23 patients to determine whether bone mineral density values obtained from one hip were indicative of the values in the contralateral hip of the ambulatory patient. The femoral neck, trochanteric, and Ward's triangle areas of both hips were analyzed. There were no significant differences between the right and left hip bone mineral density measurements in any of these three areas. Since the right and left hip readings were highly correlated, either hip may be used to evaluate osseous status.