Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometric Densitometry in Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of buttressing on bone densitometry measurements in the femoral neck, in Ward's triangle, and in the greater trochanter. In addition, we attempted to establish the length of the femoral axis (FAL) and the true length of the femoral neck (FNL) as potential correlates with osteoarthritis (OA) or with buttressing.

Material and Methods: Our study comprised 101 hips in 68 adult patients. Conventional radiographs of the hip joints were obtained in order to assess the presence and extent of OA by means of the 6-step grading system introduced in 1990 by Croft et al., and in order to measure the cortical thickness at the medial aspect of the femoral neck. In addition, FAL and FNL were measured. All patients underwent dual energy x-ray absorptiometry so that bone density could be assessed in the femoral neck, in Ward's triangle, and in the greater trochanter. The Spearman rank correlation was used to compare the measurements.

Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between cortical thickness and bone density in the femoral neck and in Ward's triangle. No correlation was found between cortical thickness and bone density in the greater trochanter, nor between cortical thickness and OA, FNL, and FAL, nor between OA and bone density, FNL, and FAL.

Conclusion: Buttressing influenced our bone density measurements in the femoral neck and in Ward's triangle. It did not affect the region of the greater trochanter which may therefore be the best region of interest for a long-term follow-up of bone density in patients with OA.