Quantitative Bone Mineral Density Measurements Research Articles

Quantitative 31P magnetic resonance imaging on pathologic rat bones by ZTE at 7T

BackgroundOsteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), which predisposes individuals to frequent fragility fractures. Quantitative BMD measurements can potentially help distinguish bone pathologies and allow clinicians to provide disease-relieving therapies. Our group has developed non-invasive and non-ionizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to measure bone mineral density quantitatively. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is a clinically approved non-invasive modality to diagnose osteoporosis but has associated disadvantages and limitations. PurposeEvaluate the clinical feasibility of phosphorus (31P) MRI as a non-invasive and non-ionizing medical diagnostic tool to compute bone mineral density to help differentiate between different metabolic bone diseases. Materials and methodsFifteen ex-vivo rat bones in three groups [control, ovariectomized (osteoporosis), and vitamin-D deficient (osteomalacia - hypo-mineralized) were scanned to compute BMD. A double-tuned (1H/31P) transmit-receive single RF coil was custom-designed and in-house-built with a better filling factor and strong radiofrequency (B1) field to acquire solid-state 31P MR images from rat femurs with an optimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and gold-standard gravimetric analyses were performed to compare and validate MRI-derived bone mineral densities. ResultsThree-dimensional 31P MR images of rat bones were obtained with a zero-echo-time (ZTE) sequence with 468 μm spatial resolution and 12–17 SNR on a Bruker 7 T Biospec having multinuclear capability. BMD was measured quantitatively on cortical and trabecular bones with a known standard reference. A strong positive correlation (R = 0.99) and a slope close to 1 in phantom measurements indicate that the densities measured by 31P ZTE MRI are close to the physical densities in computing quantitative BMD. The 31P NMR properties (resonance linewidth of 4 kHz and T1 of 67 s) of ex-vivo rat bones were measured, and 31P ZTE imaging parameters were optimized. The BMD results obtained from MRI are in good agreement with μCT and gravimetry results. ConclusionQuantitative measurements of BMD on ex-vivo rat femurs were successfully conducted on a 7 T preclinical scanner. This study suggests that quantitative measurements of BMD are feasible on humans in clinical MRI with suitable hardware, RF coils, and pulse sequences with optimized parameters within an acceptable scan time since human femurs are approximately ten times larger than rat femurs. As MRI provides quantitative in-vivo data, various systemic musculoskeletal conditions can be diagnosed potentially in humans.

Cortical bone thickness of the distal radius predicts the local bone mineral density.

AimsThe distal radius is a major site of osteoporotic bone loss resulting in a high risk of fragility fracture. This study evaluated the capability of a cortical index (CI) at the distal radius to predict the local bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsA total of 54 human cadaver forearms (ten singles, 22 pairs) (19 to 90 years) were systematically assessed by clinical radiograph (XR), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), CT, as well as high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Cortical bone thickness (CBT) of the distal radius was measured on XR and CT scans, and two cortical indices mean average (CBTavg) and gauge (CBTg) were determined. These cortical indices were compared to the BMD of the distal radius determined by DXA (areal BMD (aBMD)) and HR-pQCT (volumetric BMD (vBMD)). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to compare the results and degree of reliability.ResultsThe CBT could accurately be determined on XRs and highly correlated to those determined on CT scans (r = 0.87 to 0.93). The CBTavg index of the XRs significantly correlated with the BMD measured by DXA (r = 0.78) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.63), as did the CBTg index with the DXA (r = 0.55) and HR-pQCT (r = 0.64) (all p < 0.001). A high correlation of the BMD and CBT was observed between paired specimens (r = 0.79 to 0.96). The intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC 0.79 to 0.92).ConclusionThe cortical index (CBTavg) at the distal radius shows a close correlation to the local BMD. It thus can serve as an initial screening tool to estimate the local bone quality if quantitative BMD measurements are unavailable, and enhance decision-making in acute settings on fracture management or further osteoporosis screening.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):820–829.

Cancellous and cortical bone mineral density around an elastic press-fit socket in total hip arthroplasty

Background and purpose — The acetabular component has remained the weakest link in hip arthroplasty for achievement of long-term survival. One of the possible explanatory factors for acetabular failure has been acetabular stress shielding. For this, we investigated the effects of a cementless elastic socket on acetabular bone mineral density (BMD).Patients and methods — During 2008–2009, we performed a single-center prospective cohort trial on 25 patients (mean age 64 (SD 4), 18 females) in whom we implanted a cementless elastic press-fit socket. Using quantitative BMD measurements on CT, we determined the change in BMD surrounding the acetabular component over a 2-year follow-up period.Results — We found a statistically significant decrease in cancellous BMD (−14% to −35%) and a stable level of cortical BMD (5% to −5%) surrounding the elastic press-fit cup during the follow-up period. The main decrease was seen during the first 6 months after implantation. During the second year, cancellous BMD showed a further decrease in the medial and lower acetabular regions.Interpretation — We found no evidence that an elastic press-fit socket would prevent acetabular stress shielding during a 2-year follow-up.