Lumbar vertebrae mineral content in women. Normal values obtained using quantitative digital radiography
Braillon, P.; Duboeuf, F.; Meary, M.F.; Delmas, P.D.; Meunier, P.J.
Revue du Rhumatisme et des Maladies Osteo-Articulaires 56(8-9): 589-592
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2659 PMID: 2814296 Document Number: 337451
The bone mineral content of the lumbar spine was measured in 120 normal women, using quantitative digital radiography (Hologic QDR 1000). From the results obtained, expressed in g/cm2, the curve of the lumbar spine mineral density according to age was established, in order to demonstrate a maximum at 32.8 years, a minimum around 80.5 years with total mineral loss of 32.5% and a maximum speed of bone loss at 56.5 years (6 years after the average menopausal age). Moreover, from measurements in 30 osteoporotic women, the value of the fracture threshold was estimated at 0.730 g/cm2.