Correlation between mechanical vibration analysis and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the measurement of in vivo human tibial bone strength

Abstract

It is assumed that bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has its limitation in identifying bone strength, and therefore other methods should be developed. Non-invasive strength measurement, which is needed to diagnose and monitor metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, can become an alternative to current methods. In this study, mechanical vibration analysis was compared to BMD measured by DXA in human female tibia. Seven mother (Ms) and daughter (Ds) pairs' (total n = 14) left and right tibiae were evaluated by DXA and mechanical vibration analysis. Mechanical vibration analysis was consistent in the same bone and also in both sides. Correlation between BMD measured by DXA and vibration analysis was found in the Ds and Ms groups; the former being stronger than the latter. Natural frequencies of the Ms group were higher than that of the Ds group, and the response velocity of the Ds group was shorter than that of the Ms group. It is concluded that mechanical vibration analysis is consistent in bones and a correlation between BMD measured by DXA and vibration analysis can be established in young females that may be used in field studies to predict peak bone strength.