Femoral Neck T-score Research Articles

Comparison of Hounsfield Unit, Vertebral Bone Quality, and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry T-Score for Predicting Cage Subsidence After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare Hounsfield unit (HU), vertebral bone quality (VBQ), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) T-score in predicting cage subsidence (CS) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing PLIF and measured L4 HU and VBQ. Baseline characteristics between CS and non-CS groups were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for CS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to explore the predictive value of variables for CS. Subgroup analysis was conducted for patients with available DEXA results. Eighty-four patients were analyzed. The subsidence group was older, with lower L4 HU (92.6 (35.4) vs 130.8 (47.8), P < 0.001) and higher VBQ (3.30 (0.64) vs 2.99 (0.63), P = 0.041) compared to the non-CS group. Low L4 HU (OR 0.979, P = 0.022) was an independent risk factor for subsidence, while VBQ was not. ROC analysis indicated that L4 HU (AUC = 0.733, P < 0.001) exhibited superior predictive performance compared to VBQ (AUC = 0.643, P = 0.032). Subgroup analysis in patients with DEXA showed that the femoral neck T-score (AUC = 0.67, P = 0.037) could differentiate CS, with L4 HU exhibiting the highest predictive ability (AUC = 0.778, P < 0.001), both outperforming VBQ (AUC = 0.645, P = 0.075). Among the three BMD parameters, only low L4 HU could be an independent risk factor for CS. Preoperative HU is mandatory in patients at risk for osteoporosis when undergoing spine surgery.

Association between radius axial low-frequency ultrasound velocity and bone fragility in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Radius quantitative ultrasound measurement, that utilized a portable low-frequency (VLF) axial transmission ultrasound for assessing the properties of radius cortical bone in a non PHPT population revealed a possible role as a screening tool prior to DXA to evaluate fragility fracture. To evaluate this portable ultrasound device as a screening tool of skeletal fragility in PHPT patients. We enrolled 117 postmenopausal women with PHPT. Every subject had a DXA of femur, lumbar spine, non-dominant distal 1/3 radius, TBS measurement, VLF with a portable device and spine x- ray. The mean age of the patients was 68 ± 10 years. The measurement of agreement between radius DXA and VLF was: K = 0.43, p < 0.001. A lower radius US T-score, also adjusted for years since menopause and BMI, was associated with osteoporosis identified with DXA at lumbar and/or femoral neck sites: OR = 1.852 (CI 1.08, 3.18). All fractures were associated with femoral neck T-score: OR = 1.89 (95% CI 1.24, 2.89), as well as with total hip T-score: OR = 1.65 (95% CI 1.09, 2.50), and years since menopause: OR = 1.25 (95% CI 1.02, 1.54).Morphometric vertebral fractures were associated with years since menopause: OR = 1.28 (95% CI 1.02,1.61), femoral neck T-score OR = 1.96 (95% CI 1.227, 3.135), total hip T-score OR = 1.64 (95% CI 1.04, 2.60), TBS OR = 0.779 (95% CI 0.60-0.99), both ultra-distal radius T-score: OR = 1.50 (95% CI 1.05, 2.156), and radius US T-score: OR = 1.67 (95% CI 1.09, 2.56). VLF could be used for screening purposes prior to DXA to evaluate PHPT fracture risk, only in conditions in which DXA measurement cannot be performed.

6577 National Trends in Fragility Hip Fractures Among Community Dwelling Women With Low Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density

Abstract Disclosure: A. Atri: None. C. Anastasopoulou: None. Introduction: Fragility hip fractures are a major public health burden and are considered a good measure of the quality of healthcare. However, contemporary trends in fragility hip fractures in women with low femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in the United States are not known. Methods: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2009-10, 2013–14 and 2017–18 to include U.S. women aged ≥ 60 years with bone mineral density (BMD) T score ≤ -1 at the femur neck, which was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) on Hologic Discovery Model A Densitometers (Hologic, Inc., Bedford, Massachusetts). Fragility fracture at the hip was defined as self-reported hip fracture resulting from a fall from standing height or less. Participants with missing BMD and fracture data were excluded. ANOVA was used for comparing means. The Cochran-Armitage test was utilized for trend analysis. Results: Overall, in women aged ≥ 60 years with femoral neck T score ≤ -1, the average age of women of low BMD decreased from 71(±7.2) years to 69.6 (±6.7) years, whereas the mean T-score modestly worsened from – 1.96 (±0.62) to -2.04 (±0.77) from 2009-10 to 2017-18. Similarly, the prevalence of women with T score ≤ -2.5 increased from 18.1% to 21.3%. We also found no significant change in proportion of women who reported treatment for osteoporosis (2009-10: 19.8%, 2013-14: 18.5%, 2017-18: 19.7%; p trend = 0.052). However, proportion of women who experienced fragility hip fractures decreased significantly (2009-10: 2.4%, 2013-14: 1.5%, 2017-18: 1.2%; p trend = 0.001). The mean age of index fragility hip fracture was 70.6 years in 2009-10, 68.3 years in 2013-14 and 71.7 years in 2017-18 (p = 0.001). Age stratified analysis showed a decreasing trend in proportion of women ≥ 80 years who experienced their index fragility hip fracture (2009-10: 25.9%, 2013-14: 14.7%, 2017-18: 15%; p trend = 0.001) and 70-79 years (2009-10: 40.9%, 2013-14: 21.1%, 2017-18: 35.8%; p trend = 0.001), while an increasing trend was seen in women 60–69 years (2009-10: 33.2%, 2013-14: 64.2%, 2017-18: 49.2%; p trend = 0.001). Discussion In this nationally representative cohort of community-dwelling US women with a low femoral neck BMD, we found a 50% decrease in burden of fragility hip fractures over a 10-year period from 2009-10 to 2017-18. This trend was observed despite worsening mean femoral neck T-scores, T score ≤ -2.5, and similar rates of osteoporosis treatment. Interestingly, the proportion of women who experienced their index fragility hip fracture showed a declining trend among the 70-79 years and ≥ 80 years age-groups. This change may be due to increasing awareness and utilization of measures to decrease falls such as exercise, nutrition, health education and environment modifications targeted towards the elderly population. Presentation: 6/2/2024

9288 National Trends in Fragility Hip Fractures Among Community Dwelling Women With Low Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density

Abstract Disclosure: A. Atri: None. C. Anastasopoulou: None. Introduction: Fragility hip fractures are a major public health burden and are considered a good measure of the quality of healthcare. However, contemporary trends in fragility hip fractures in women with low femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) in the United States are not known. Methods: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2009-10, 2013–14 and 2017–18 to include U.S. women aged ≥ 60 years with bone mineral density (BMD) T score ≤ -1 at the femur neck, which was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) on Hologic Discovery Model A Densitometers (Hologic, Inc., Bedford, Massachusetts). Fragility fracture at the hip was defined as self-reported hip fracture resulting from a fall from standing height or less. Participants with missing BMD and fracture data were excluded. ANOVA was used for comparing means. The Cochran-Armitage test was utilized for trend analysis. Results: Overall, in women aged ≥ 60 years with femoral neck T score ≤ -1, the average age of women of low BMD decreased from 71(±7.2) years to 69.6 (±6.7) years, whereas the mean T-score modestly worsened from – 1.96 (±0.62) to -2.04 (±0.77) from 2009-10 to 2017-18. Similarly, the prevalence of women with T score ≤ -2.5 increased from 18.1% to 21.3%. We also found no significant change in proportion of women who reported treatment for osteoporosis (2009-10: 19.8%, 2013-14: 18.5%, 2017-18: 19.7%; p trend = 0.052). However, proportion of women who experienced fragility hip fractures decreased significantly (2009-10: 2.4%, 2013-14: 1.5%, 2017-18: 1.2%; p trend = 0.001). The mean age of index fragility hip fracture was 70.6 years in 2009-10, 68.3 years in 2013-14 and 71.7 years in 2017-18 (p = 0.001). Age stratified analysis showed a decreasing trend in proportion of women ≥ 80 years who experienced their index fragility hip fracture (2009-10: 25.9%, 2013-14: 14.7%, 2017-18: 15%; p trend = 0.001) and 70-79 years (2009-10: 40.9%, 2013-14: 21.1%, 2017-18: 35.8%; p trend = 0.001), while an increasing trend was seen in women 60–69 years (2009-10: 33.2%, 2013-14: 64.2%, 2017-18: 49.2%; p trend = 0.001). Discussion In this nationally representative cohort of community-dwelling US women with a low femoral neck BMD, we found a 50% decrease in burden of fragility hip fractures over a 10-year period from 2009-10 to 2017-18. This trend was observed despite worsening mean femoral neck T-scores, T score ≤ -2.5, and similar rates of osteoporosis treatment. Interestingly, the proportion of women who experienced their index fragility hip fracture showed a declining trend among the 70-79 years and ≥ 80 years age-groups. This change may be due to increasing awareness and utilization of measures to decrease falls such as exercise, nutrition, health education and environment modifications targeted towards the elderly population. Presentation: 6/2/2024

12455 Bone Mineral Density Improvement After Resolution Of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: C. Plessias: None. N. Charoenngam: None. T. Rittiphairoj: None. T. Suenghataiphorn: None. T. Srikulmontri: None. P. Wattanachayakul: None. M. Kurt: None. Bone Mineral Density Improvement After Resolution of Endogenous Cushing Syndrome: a Meta-analysis and meta-regression Patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome (eCS) are known to have decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and are prone to fragility fractures. Treatment of eCS have been shown in multiple studies to result in improvement in BMD. However, the degree of BMD improvement after resolution of eCS remains inadequately explored due to limited sample sizes in existing studies. Through systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression techniques, we aimed to identify all available evidence to evaluate BMD improvement after resolution of eCS. Potentially eligible studies were identified from the PubMed and EMBASE databases from inception to February 2024, utilizing a search strategy incorporating terms related to "Bone mineral density" and "Cushing syndrome". Eligible studies must include adult or pediatric patients diagnosed with any form of eCS, encompassing Cushing disease (CD), adrenal adenoma, mild autonomous cortisol secretion or ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors, who received treatment resulting in CS resolution. These studies must either present lumbar spine (LS) or femoral neck (FN) BMD measurements in the form of T-score, Z-score or actual BMD values before and after CS resolution, or report mean differences (MD) of BMD, or provide individual BMD data. Point estimates with corresponding standard errors were extracted from each study and combined using the generic inverse variance method. Meta-regression analysis was utilized to explore the impact of time after resolution of eCS on BMD improvement.A total of 5,085 records were identified from the databases. After systematic review, 14 studies, including a total of 386 patients, were deemed eligible for analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated that resolution of eCS resulted in statistically significantly improvement of LS BMD (pooled MD: Z-score: +0.76, 95%CI 0.50 – 1.02, I2 76%; T-score: +0.87, 95%CI 0.55 – 1.19, I2 78%; actual BMD: +0.092 g/cm2, 95%CI 0.060 – 0.124, I2 74%) and FN BMD (pooled MD: Z-score: +0.54, 95%CI 0.32 – 0.76, I2 75%; T-score: +0.38, 95%CI 0.25 – 0.51, I2 0%; actual BMD: +0.041 g/cm2, 95%CI 0.021 – 0.062, I2 0%). The meta-regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between follow-up time and improvements in LS T-score BMD (predicted LS T-score improvement = 0.42 + 0.062 × year, p = 0.027) and FN Z-score BMD (predicted FN Z-score improvement = 0.35 + 0.037 × year, p = 0.003), but not with LS Z-score and FN T-score.In summary, our study presents the extent of improvement in LS and FN BMD following the resolution of eCS based on all available data in the literature. These findings have clinical significance as they offer guidance for management of osteoporosis following the resolution of eCS. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Incongruent Treatment Recommendations Between Left and Right Hip Bone Mineral Densities.

Objective The official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) is that either hip site can be scanned with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging. Whether there is a difference in guideline-based treatment recommendations between hip sites has not previously been assessed. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all individuals who underwent DXA imaging at a single center from September 1, 2018, to October 31, 2019. Women aged ≥ 40 years old and men aged ≥ 50 years old were included. Individuals without bilateral hip measurements or who were on osteoporosis treatment were excluded. The 10-year probability of fracture using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) was calculated for each hip when the worst T-score was in the osteopenia range. Results Of the included participants, 10% (n = 151/1505) had incongruent treatment recommendations (ITR) between the left and right hips. In the ITR group, 70% (n = 106) had osteopenia and 30% (n = 45) had osteoporosis. Age was the only significant risk factor for ITR overall (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09). In the osteopenia group, however, age (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.13-1.21), history of parental hip fracture (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.65-6.05), and glucocorticoid use (OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 1.6-11.0) were associated with ITR. In the osteoporosis group, the right hip (femoral neck and total) T-scores were significantly lower compared to the left. Conclusion Measuring bone mineral density on both hips changes treatment recommendations in 10% of people. This was more likely in those with osteopenia who were older, had a parental history of hip fracture, or were on glucocorticoids.Measuring both hips did not add time or cost to patient care. Given the minimal disadvantages to measuring both hips, there should be a strong consideration to change the current guidance of only measuring one hip.

Estrogen Receptor-α rs9340799 Polymorphism Influences Bone Mineral Density in Women Over 60 Years of Age and Women Who are Postmenopausal for More than 10 Years

Background: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder where genetic and environmental factors contribute to changes in bone mineral density. Several genetic polymorphisms are associated with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk, including estrogen receptor-α rs2234693 and rs9340799 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Objective: To determine the allele frequencies of these polymorphisms among postmenopausal Jordanian women and to assess their association with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis among studied subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 450 postmenopausal Jordanian women having dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics. The study protocol was approved by this center "Institutional Review Board." The estrogen receptor-α gene sequence containing rs2234693 and rs9340799 polymorphisms was identified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The wild-type allele frequencies of rs2234693 (T) and rs9340799 (A) were 54% and 59%, respectively. The rs9340799 GG genotype was significantly associated with lower femoral neck T-scores in women who were postmenopausal for more than 10 years (p = 0.023) and was significantly associated with lower lumbar spine (p = 0.033) and femoral neck (p = 0.002) T-scores in women older than 60 years of age. However, there was no association between rs2234693, rs9340799, or their haplotypes with osteoporosis or bone mineral density T-score values. The two polymorphisms were in Heidy-Weinberg equilibrium and exhibited strong but incomplete linkage disequilibrium. Conclusion: The data suggest that rs9340799 polymorphism may render some women more susceptible to osteoporosis than others.

The observation that older men suffer from hip fracture at DXA T-scores higher than older women and a proposal of a new low BMD category, osteofrailia, for predicting fracture risk in older men.

The clinical significance of osteoporosis lies in the occurrence of fragility fractures (FFx), and the most relevant fracture site is the hip. The T-score is defined as follows: (BMDpatient-BMDyoung adult mean)/SDyoung adult population, where BMD is bone mineral density and SD is the standard deviation. When the femoral neck (FN) is measured in adult Caucasian women, a cutpoint value of patient BMD of 2.5 SD below the young adult mean BMD results in a prevalence the same as the lifetime risk of hip FFx for Caucasian women. The FN T-score criterion for classifying osteoporosis in older Caucasian men has been provisionally recommended to be - 2.5, but debates remain. Based on a systematic literature review, we noted that older men suffer from hip FFx at aFN T-score approximately 0.5-0.6 higher than older women. While the mean hip FFx FN T-score of around - 2.9 for women lies below - 2.5, the mean hip FF FN T-score of around - 2.33 for men lies above - 2.5. This is likely associated with that older male populations have a higher mean T-score than older female populations. We propose a new category of low BMD status, osteofrailia, for older Caucasian men with T-score ≤ - 2 (T-score ≤ - 2.1 for older Chinese men) who are likely to suffer from hip FFx. The group withT-score ≤ - 2 for older Caucasian men is comparable in prevalence to the group withT-score ≤ - 2.5 for older Caucasian women. However, older men in such category on average have only half the FFx risk as that of older women with osteoporotic T-score.

Sex-specific association of chronic proton pump inhibitor use with reduced bone density and quality.

Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been associated with an increase in bone fragility. However, evidence on the effect of chronic PPI use on bone density is conflicting, and data on bone microarchitectural quality are scarce. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether trabecular bone microarchitecture, assessed by trabecular bone score (TBS), is altered in chronic PPI users. The association between PPI use and bone density was also evaluated as a secondary endpoint. We extracted individual patient data from the 2005-2008 cycles of the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in which lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were acquired. TBS values were calculated from DXA images using a dedicated software. Multivariable linear regression analyses stratified by sex were performed to evaluate the association of chronic PPI use with TBS and bone mineral density (BMD), adjusting for relevant confounders. A total of 7478 subjects were included (3961 men, 3517 women). After adjustment for relevant confounders, chronic PPI use was associated with a worse bone health profile in men, with lower TBS (-0.039, 95%CI:[-0.058, -0.020], p<0.001), lumbar spine T-score (-0.27, 95%CI:[-0.49, -0.05], p=0.018), total hip T-score (-0.20, 95%CI:[-0.39, -0.01], p=0.038), and femoral neck T-score (-0.21, 95%CI:[-0.42, -0.01], p=0.045). Notably, the association between chronic PPI use and degraded TBS remained statistically significant even after further adjustment for BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck (-0.026, 95%CI:[-0.039, -0.012], p=0.001). In contrast, no significant association was observed between chronic PPI use and either TBS or BMD in women. Chronic PPI use is associated with degraded trabecular bone quality in men, even after adjustment for BMD. No association was observed in women.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Panoramic Mandibular Indices in the Screening of Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mass: Correlations with Bone Quantity and Quality.

This study examined the potential use of computed tomography panoramic mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for assessing bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. The study enrolled 104 postmenopausal women who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen region CBCT alongside the NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationship between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T score, bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS). The following panoramic mandibular indices were also considered: the computed tomography mandibular index superior (CTI(S)), computed tomography mandibular index inferior (CTI(I)), and computed tomography mental index (CTMI). The study revealed moderate correlations between CBCT indices and BMD/TBS scores: CTMI showed the highest correlation with the femoral neck T-score (r = 0.551, p < 0.0001). TBS scores were also moderately correlated with CBCT indices: CTMI showed a moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.431, p < 0.0001); CTI(S) had a similar moderate positive correlation with TBS (r = 0.421, p < 0.0001). AUC values ranged from 0.697 to 0.733 for osteoporosis versus the osteopenia/normal group and from 0.734 to 0.744 for low versus normal bone quality groups, p < 0.0001. The comparison of the values of the studied indices between low versus normal bone quality (quantified with TBS) groups showed high sensitivity but low specificity. CBCT-measured indices CTI(S), CTI(I), and CTMI are useful in assessing patients with low bone mass to improve, by specific treatment, the prognosis of dental implants.

The Utility of Radiomorphometric Mandibular Indices on Cone Beam Computer Tomography in the Assessment of Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study examined the potential use of computed tomography radiomorphometric mandibular indices on cone beam CT (CBCT) for the assessment of bone density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. We included 104 postmenopausal women who received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a DXA scanner and mental foramen (MF) region CBCT using a NewTom VGi EVO Cone Beam 3D system. We assessed the relationships between the following DXA parameters: lumbar, femoral neck, and total hip T-scores, bone mineral density (BMD), lumbar trabecular bone score (TBS), and mandibular inferior cortical bone thickness at 4 sites. The cross-sectional images were obtained, as follows: anterior (A)-10 mm anterior from the MF; molar (M)-10 mm posterior from the MF; posterior (P)-25 mm posterior from the MF; symphysis (S)-equidistant from the centers of the right and left MF. We found that A and M indices showed statistically significant moderate positive correlations with lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD, as well as TBS. The P index demonstrated moderate positive correlations with these measurements, while the S index did not show significant correlations with BMD or TBS in postmenopausal women. These findings support the potential usefulness of CBCT-derived radiomorphometric mandibular indices for non-invasive bone health assessment in clinical practice.

Prediction of subsequent fragility fractures: application of machine learning

BackgroundMachine learning (ML) has shown exceptional promise in various domains of medical research. However, its application in predicting subsequent fragility fractures is still largely unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the predictive power of different ML algorithms in this area and identify key features associated with the risk of subsequent fragility fractures in osteoporotic patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients presented with fragility fractures at our Fracture Liaison Service, categorizing them into index fragility fracture (n = 905) and subsequent fragility fracture groups (n = 195). We independently trained ML models using 27 features for both male and female cohorts. The algorithms tested include Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, Logistic Regression, LightGBM, AdaBoost, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and Support Vector Machine. Model performance was evaluated through 10-fold cross-validation.ResultsThe CatBoost model outperformed other models, achieving 87% accuracy and an AUC of 0.951 for females, and 93.4% accuracy with an AUC of 0.990 for males. The most significant predictors for females included age, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), 25(OH)D, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), parathyroid hormone (PTH), femoral neck Z-score, menopause age, number of pregnancies, phosphorus, calcium, and body mass index (BMI); for males, the predictors were serum CRP, femoral neck T-score, PTH, hip T-score, BMI, BUN, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and spinal Z-score.ConclusionML models, especially CatBoost, offer a valuable approach for predicting subsequent fragility fractures in osteoporotic patients. These models hold the potential to enhance clinical decision-making by supporting the development of personalized preventative strategies.

Opportunistic screening for osteoporosis using routine clinical care computed tomography brain studies.

Osteoporosis and falls are both prevalent in the elderly, and CT brain (CTB) is frequently performed post head-strike. We aim to validate the relationship between frontal bone density (Hounsfield unit) from routine CTB and bone mineral density from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan for opportunistic osteoporosis screening. Patients who had a non-contrast CTB followed by a DEXA scan in the subsequent year were included in this multi-center retrospective study. The relationship between frontal bone density on CT and femoral neck T-score on DEXA was examined using ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Three hundred twenty-six patients (205 females and 121 males) were analyzed. ANOVA analysis showed that frontal bone density was lower in patients with DEXA-defined osteoporosis (p < 0.001), while Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a fair correlation with femoral neck T-score (r = 0.3, p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis, these were true in females but not in males. On ROC analysis, frontal bone density weakly predicted osteoporosis (AUC 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.7) with no optimal threshold identified. HU < 610 was highly specific (87.5%) but poorly sensitive (18.9%). HU > 1200 in females had a strong negative predictive value for osteoporosis (92.6%, 95% CI 87.1-98.1%). Frontal bone density from routine CTB is significantly different between females with and without osteoporosis, but not between males. However, frontal bone density was a weak predictor for DEXA-defined osteoporosis. Further research is required to determine the role of CTB in opportunistic osteoporosis screening.

A roadmap to artificial intelligence (AI): Methods for designing and building AI ready data to promote fairness

ObjectivesWe evaluated methods for preparing electronic health record data to reduce bias before applying artificial intelligence (AI). MethodsWe created methods for transforming raw data into a data framework for applying machine learning and natural language processing techniques for predicting falls and fractures. Strategies such as inclusion and reporting for multiple races, mixed data sources such as outpatient, inpatient, structured codes, and unstructured notes, and addressing missingness were applied to raw data to promote a reduction in bias. The raw data was carefully curated using validated definitions to create data variables such as age, race, gender, and healthcare utilization. For the formation of these variables, clinical, statistical, and data expertise were used. The research team included a variety of experts with diverse professional and demographic backgrounds to include diverse perspectives. ResultsFor the prediction of falls, information extracted from radiology reports was converted to a matrix for applying machine learning. The processing of the data resulted in an input of 5,377,673 reports to the machine learning algorithm, out of which 45,304 were flagged as positive and 5,332,369 as negative for falls. Processed data resulted in lower missingness and a better representation of race and diagnosis codes. For fractures, specialized algorithms extracted snippets of text around keywork “femoral” from dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to identify femoral neck T-scores that are important for predicting fracture risk. The natural language processing algorithms yielded 98% accuracy and 2% error rate The methods to prepare data for input to artificial intelligence processes are reproducible and can be applied to other studies. ConclusionThe life cycle of data from raw to analytic form includes data governance, cleaning, management, and analysis. When applying artificial intelligence methods, input data must be prepared optimally to reduce algorithmic bias, as biased output is harmful. Building AI-ready data frameworks that improve efficiency can contribute to transparency and reproducibility. The roadmap for the application of AI involves applying specialized techniques to input data, some of which are suggested here. This study highlights data curation aspects to be considered when preparing data for the application of artificial intelligence to reduce bias.

Multicenter Study on the Frequency of Low Bone Mineral Density in Young Women With Breast Cancer and Associated Factors

IntroductionYoung women with breast cancer (BC) may experience bone mineral density (BMD) loss secondary to cancer treatment effects on estrogen levels. Studies assessing BMD in BC patients have had a limited representation of young women. This multicenter retrospective study analyzed the frequency of low BMD and associated factors in this age group. MethodsWomen diagnosed with stage 0-III BC at ≤40 years, treated with chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy between 2010 and 2020 at 5 Mexican BC referral centers were eligible. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were collected, as well as bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) results. Low BMD was defined as lumbar or femoral neck T-score < -1.0 or Z-score ≤ -2.0. ResultsA total of 1259 patients were included; median age at diagnosis was 36 years (21-40). Overall, 93% received chemotherapy and 65% endocrine therapy (tamoxifen was received at some point by 61%, aromatase inhibitors by 17%, and GnRH agonists/bilateral oophorectomy by 21%). DEXA scans were documented in 254 (20%), of which 163 (64%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 58%-70%) had a low BMD report. Low BMD was associated with receiving aromatase inhibitors (Odds ratio [OR] 1.92; 95% CI 1.13-3.24), and GnRH agonists/bilateral oophorectomy (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.21-4.21). ConclusionThe suboptimal frequency of BMD monitoring observed displays an alarming disregard for bone health in young patients. Thus, a high proportion of women with low BMD are potentially being missed and precluded from the opportunity to receive timely interventions. Particular focus should be put on BMD monitoring among patients treated with aromatase inhibitors, GnRH agonists or bilateral oophorectomy.

Opportunistic hand radiographs to screen for low forearm bone mineral density: a prospective and retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLow bone mineral density affects 53% of women over age 65 in the US, yet many are unaware and remain untreated. Underdiagnosis of forearm osteoporosis and related fragility fractures represent missed warning signs of more deadly, future fractures. This study aimed to determine if hand radiographs could serve as early, simple screening tools for predicting low forearm bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsWe evaluated posterior-anterior (PA) hand radiographs (x-rays) and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of 43 participants. The ratio of the intramedullary cavity to total cortical diameter of the second metacarpal (second metacarpal cortical percentage (2MCP)) was used as a potential diagnostic marker. Mixed-effects linear regression was performed to determine correlation of 2MCP with BMD from various anatomic regions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare BMD across sites. An optimal 2MCP cutoff for predicting forearm osteopenia and osteoporosis was found using Receiver Operating Curves.Results2MCP is directly correlated with BMD in the forearm. The optimal 2MCP of 48.3% had 80% sensitivity for detecting osteoporosis of the 1/3 distal forearm. An 2MCP cutoff of 50.8% had 84% sensitivity to detect osteoporosis of the most distal forearm. Both 2MCP cutoffs were more sensitive at predicting forearm osteoporosis than femoral neck T-scores.ConclusionsThese findings support the expansion of osteoporosis screening to include low-cost hand x-rays, aiming to increase diagnosis and treatment of low forearm BMD and fractures. Proposed next steps include confirming the optimal 2MCP cutoff at scale and integrating automatic 2MCP measurements into PAC systems.

Comparison of the predictive values of MRI-based vertebral bone quality scores for the determination of osteoporosis in different diseases.

The study aimed to examine the consistency of vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores for assessing osteoporosis across different etiologies and explore the predictive value of various VBQ scores for fragility vertebral fractures. Patients with fragility fractures were matched by age and sex to patients with lumbar degeneration. VBQ scores were calculated in T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Differential analysis of bone quality was performed based on etiology. A total of 96 inpatients were retrospectively enrolled. VBQT1 scores were only sensitive to osteoporotic bone in degenerative group (p < 0.01), failing to identify osteoporosis in fractured group (p > 0.05). For the degenerative group, the area under the curve (AUC) using the VBQT1 scores to differentiate osteoporosis was 0.72. After controlling the confounding variables, only VBQT2 scores were significantly higher in fractured group than degenerative group, with a greater AUC of 0.82 predicting fragility fractures. VBQT1 scores moderately correlated with femoral neck T-scores in degenerative group (r = -0.45, p < 0.01) but not in fractured group (r = -0.24, p > 0.05). VBQT2 scores were not associated with femoral neck T-scores (p > 0.05). This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of VBQs scores in assessing osteoporosis post-fracture. Only non-fractured patients' bone quality is fully susceptible to VBQT1 scores. While VBQT1 scores may not correlate with fragility fractures, VBQT2 scores present a viable alternative.

Comparison of bone mineral density of osteoporotic and osteopenia menopausal women treated with oral bisphosphonates before stopping the treatment and 1year after drug holiday period.

Osteoporosis is a skeletal and bone disorder characterized by bone fractures and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Bisphosphonates have a great tendency to bind to minerals, and their long-term use can increase the risk of bone fragility in patients. Stopping bisphosphonates after a period of time is called a drug holiday (DH). Recent evidence has shown that patients' BMD may decrease again during DH. However, few studies have been done in this regard. In the present study, we compared the BMD of postmenopausal women during bisphosphonates treatment and 1year after DH. A total of 202 patients were selected with osteopenia (n = 95) and osteoporosis (n = 107); they had been treated with alendronate for 5years (a rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis) and had undergone DH for 1year. At the arrival of all patients, BMD was checked with the DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) method using the 2007 American Explorer model Hologic device based on the Caucasian race. One year later, patients were reassessed for BMD by the same device. The analysis of femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) T-score indices in the osteopenia and the osteoporosis groups showed reduction after DH, and the difference was statistically significant in both groups (p = 0.001). After 1year of stopping bisphosphonate treatment, the average of FN and LS BMD decreased in both groups (p = 0.001). In general, it can be said that DH can reduce FN and LS T-scores. The results indicated a significant reduction in BMD after the DH period for both the osteoporosis and osteopenia groups in the early months. Also, the effect of DH in osteoporosis patients was more compared to the osteopenia individuals, which could have implications for their treatment approach, and also its effect on bone health. Key Points • The DH can reduce FN and LS T-scores • The BMD reduced after the DH period for both the osteoporosis and osteopenia groups • After 1 year of stopping bisphosphonate treatment, the average of FN and LS BMD decreased in both groups.

Sarcopenia definitions and their association with fracture risk in older Swedish women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of three sarcopenia definitions and their associations with fracture risk in older Swedish women when adjusted for fracture risk assessment (FRAX)-based risk factors; 2,883 women with a mean age of 77.8years were included. Sarcopenia was defined based on the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC; low handgrip strength [kg] and gait speed (m/s)), revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2; low appendicular lean mass index, appendicular lean mass [ALM]/height; kg/m2], and hand grip strength [kg]), and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS; low ALM (kg), and hand grip strength [kg]) definitions. Femoral neck T-score was obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All fractures, confirmed by X-ray or medical record review, were subsequently categorized as major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) and hip fractures. Deaths were verified through regional registers. The total follow-up time was 6.4 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) yr. Cox regression (hazard ratios [HR] and 95% CIs) analyses were performed with adjustment for age, FRAX variables, and femoral neck T-score. Sarcopenia prevalence was 4.5% (n = 129) according to SDOC, 12.5% (n = 360) for EWGSOP2, and 10.3% (n = 296) defined by AWGS. Individuals with sarcopenia defined by SDOC had a higher mortality risk than individuals without sarcopenia (HR: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.51, 4.62) after adjusting for age and FRAX variables. Sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 and AWGS was not associated with an increased fracture risk after adjusting for age and FRAX variables. Individuals with sarcopenia defined by SDOC had a higher risk for any fractures (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.99) and MOF (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.98) compared with individuals without sarcopenia after adjusting for clinical risk factors used in FRAX. In conclusion, sarcopenia defined by SDOC, incorporating muscle function/strength, was the only sarcopenia definition associated with fracture risk in older women.

Hounsfield Unit Values as an Adjunct Diagnostic Tool: Investigating Its Relationship with Bone Mineral Density and Vertebral Bone Quality in Lumbar Degenerative Disease Patients

With an increasing prevalence of osteoporosis due to demographic shifts, accurate diagnostic methods are vital, particularly before spinal surgeries. This research investigated the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores of the lumbar spine and femoral neck, Hounsfield Unit (HU) values from computed tomography (CT), and vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with lumbar degenerative disease. We analyzed data from 100 patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent CT, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and MRI between 2019 and 2023. HU values were measured individually from L1 to L4, while T-scores were obtained from DXA scans of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck. The VBQ scores were derived from T1-weighted MRIs. A notable association between the lumbar and femoral neck T-scores and HU values was found. The VBQ score had a faint correlation with HU values and lacked any with the T-score. Notably, the HU values derived via the Youden index and regression closely matched. Lumbar spine HU values related to T-scores of 85.6 and 84.4, and femoral neck T-scores of 98.9 and 103.6, with a low T-score at 98.9 and 104.6. This study underscores a strong correlation between BMD and HU values from CT scans in lumbar degenerative disease patients, suggesting the utility of HU measurements as an adjunct diagnostic tool for osteoporosis. However, the correlation with the VBQ score remains weak. Further multicenter studies are essential for more robust validation.