Bone mineral densities in normal Bangladeshi women

Background: Low bone mass may increase risk of fracture. Several chronic medical conditions, medications, and life style factors affect bone mineral accrual. This study aims to evaluate the bone mineral densities and hip axis lengths in the local population. Materials and Methods: 336 normal Bangladeshi women age ranges 20 to 70 years had evaluation of their bone mineral densities (BMDs) by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: The trend of BMD at the left femoral neck and the lumber spine remains fairly constant with increasing age until the 45-49 years age range, beyond which there is a consistent decline. The mean hip axis length is 10.27 cm. Conclusion: Bone mineral densities in femoral neck and lumber spine as measured by DXA and the hip axis length of the local population is lower than corresponding figures reported in the western population. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2008; 6 (3): 157­160