P J Barry1, D O'Mahony. 1. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland. pat_barry@eircom.net
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a common condition, especially affecting the older female population. The ability to predict loss of lumbar height using simple anatomical measurements would be a useful tool. METHODS: Forty subjects were recruited. Mean age was 72 years. Arm span (AS) and the costo-iliac distance (CID) were measured. The CID/AS ratio was calculated. The L(1)-L(4) vertebral height of each patient was obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between the lumbar height and CID/AS ratio (R (2) = 0.79, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CID/AS ratio may be a useful bedside test in identifying loss of lumbar vertebral height.
INTRODUCTION:Osteoporosis is a common condition, especially affecting the older female population. The ability to predict loss of lumbar height using simple anatomical measurements would be a useful tool. METHODS: Forty subjects were recruited. Mean age was 72 years. Arm span (AS) and the costo-iliac distance (CID) were measured. The CID/AS ratio was calculated. The L(1)-L(4) vertebral height of each patient was obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between the lumbar height and CID/AS ratio (R (2) = 0.79, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CID/AS ratio may be a useful bedside test in identifying loss of lumbar vertebral height.
Authors: K E Ensrud; D E Thompson; J A Cauley; M C Nevitt; D M Kado; M C Hochberg; A C Santora; D M Black Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2000-03 Impact factor: 5.562