ACCURACY OF SINGLE-ENERGY QUANTITATIVE COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF BONE-MINERAL DENSITY OF CERVICAL-VERTEBRAE

Earlier studies have shown that single-energy quantitative computed to mography (SEQCT) is a reliable method for bone mineral density (Bh ID) measurements in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, SEQCT has pr oved to be a useful parameter in the selection of appropriate implants in cervical spondylodesis. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of SEQCT in cervical vertebrae BMD measurement. BMD with ref erence to calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca-10[PO4](6)[OH](2)) was assessed b y SEQCT in 100 human vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. Bone cyli nders were then cut from the appropriate region of interest. The cylin der volume was determined by the liquid displacement technique. The de nsity of the mineral component was measured following incineration at 1100 degrees C for 24 h. The calculated BMD was correlated with the SE QCT values, resulting in a coefficient of r = 0.79 (P < 0.01). Mean SE QCT values were significantly lower than those determined by direct de nsity ; assessment (t-test for coupled sampling, P < 0.02), This resul t was in agreement with studies on thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Thes e data suggest that SEQCT can reliably measure BMD in the cervical spi ne.