Bone mineral content of the forearm in healthy Dutch women

• Published in: Maturitas Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 231 - 241
• Main Authors: Barentsen, R., Raymakers, J.A., Landman, J.O., Duursma, S.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.10.1988; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; BMC reference values; Bone mineral content; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Humans; Medical sciences; Menopause - metabolism; Middle Aged; Minerals - analysis; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease; Radionuclide Imaging; Radius - analysis; Radius - diagnostic imaging; Reference Values; Regression Analysis; Single energy photon absorptiometry; Ulna - analysis; Ulna - diagnostic imaging; Bone mineral content; BMC reference values; Osteoporosis; Single energy photon absorptiometry; Screening; Absorption spectrometry; Forearm; Radiodiagnosis; Specific gravity; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Bone; Performance; Age
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-5122(88)90026-6

Single energy photon absorptiometry is a reliable technique for assessing the bone mineral content (BMC) of cortical bone in the forearm. It can also be used for BMC measurement in the ultradistal part of the forearm, where there is a considerable proportion of trabecular bone. The results of a BMC survey at both sites in healthy Dutch women, aged 26–75 yr, are reported, and the differences and changes with age are discussed. The technique offers possibilities for a rational screening programme in post-menopausal women, because of its high precision, low radiation dose, speed and low cost. The validity of the ultradistal measurement for the detection of abnormally fast bone mineral loss from trabecular bone in the individual patient has yet to be proven.