The Value Of Metacarpal X-Ray Image Analysis In The Diagnosis Of Osteoporosis

Objective The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of skeletal X-ray image analysis in diagnosis of osteoporosis according to the analysis result about metacarpal bone optical density,metacarpal measurement datum,and quantitative ultrasound(QUS)bone density test results.Methods Digital radiography(DR)on hand was applied to 80 female patients after examined calcaneal bone by QUS.The second metacarpal central diameter(MCD-2),the second metacarpal medullary cavity transverse diameter(MMCD-2),and the optical density value of the proximal(ODM-p2),middle(ODM-m2),distal(ODM-d2)segment of the second metacarpal bone,were respectively measured on computer by Image-pro Plus 6.Correction of optical density value by removed soft tissue background of the distal segment of the second metacarpal bone(CODM-d2)were measured at the same time.The cortical thickness of the middle segment of the second metacarpal bone(CTM-m2)and metacarpal index were calculated.The data divide into groups by age,aged 20-39 years(including 20 years old and 39 years old,the following is the same)for the 30 year old age group,aged 40-49 years for the 40 year old age group,aged 50?59 years for the 50 year old age group,above 60 years for the 60 year old age group?The data were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 software.Results The mean central transverse diameter(MCD-2),middle medullary cavity transverse diameter(MMCD-2),cortical thickness of the second metacarpal bone(CTM-m2)and metacarpal index were 60.12±6.10 pixels?27.75±8.28 pixels?32.37±6.23 pixels?0.54± 0.11 correspondingly;The mean optical density value of the proximal(ODM-p2),middle(ODM-m2),distal segment of the second metacarpal bone(ODM-d2)were 0.24±0.06?0.23±0.04?0.40±0.08 correspondingly.The mean CODM-d2 and bone stiffness index were 0.77±0.15?75.81 ± 14.99 correspondingly.There were age difference on CTM-m2(F= 13.89,P<0.01),metacarpal index(F=11.32,P<0.01)?bone stiffness index(F=18.29,p<0.01),and the mean CTM-m2,metacarpal index and bone stiffness index had been declining with aging after 50 year old.There were also age difference on optical density value of the proximal(ODM-p2)(F=4.20,P<0.05)and CODM-d2(F=11.99,P<0.01).The mean ODM-p2 and CODM-d2 had been increasing with aging after 50 year old.There was negative linear correlation between bone stiffness index and CODM-d2(r=-0.80,P<0.001).On the contrary,there was positive linear correlation between between bone stiffness index and metacarpal index(r=0.74,P<0.001).The bone stifness index regression equation =103.05-0.26*age+42.45*metacarpal index-48.70*CODM-d2(P<0.001).Conclusion The optical density value of distal metacarpal and CODM-d2,which can be used as a evaluation index of osteoporosis,is closely related with the metacarpal index and bone stiffness index.The bone stiffness index can be estimated by the age,metacarpal index and CODM-d2,the bone mineral density can be indirect estimated,too.Skeletal X-ray image analysis is of positive clinical significance for osteoporosis prevention and early diagnosis.