[Vertebral morphometry with DXA/MXA equipment--an equipment comparison. Dual x-ray absorptiometry/morphometric x-ray absorptiometry]

Rofo. 1997 Feb;166(2):140-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1015396.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Purpose: The accuracy and reproducibility of morphometric measurements (Morphometric X-ray Absorptiometry = MXA) of vertebrae were determined. The significant difference of the change in height of vertebral bodies in follow-up studies was computed for MXA methods and digitised spinal radiographs as well.

Material and methods: The measurements were carried out on two new Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) devices (device A = Expert, Lunar Corp., device B = QDR 2000 Plus, Hologic Inc.). The data were obtained by using the European Spine Phantom (ESP) and lumbar spine specimens.

Results: The accuracy of vertebral morphometry performed on radiographs is 2.0%, on the device A 2.3%, and on the device B 4.9%. Measurements taken with the ESP showed a reproducibility of 1.0 to 3.0%, whereas measurements of fractured vertebrae resulted in 5.1 to 6.0%.

Conclusion: The results of the morphometric measurements demonstrate that a reliable fracture analysis in phantoms and specimens is possible. Further in-vivo studies are necessary.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / instrumentation*
  • Absorptiometry, Photon / methods
  • Absorptiometry, Photon / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / instrumentation
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging*