Bone-mineral estimation in normal and osteoporotic women. A comparability trial of four methods and seven bone sites.

Fifty-two white women, forty-eight to seventy-nine years old, diagnosed by spinal roentgenograms as normal or slightly, moderately, or severely osteoporotic, were evaluated in random order by four methods for detecting the amount of bone mineral. The mid-portion and distal portion of the radius, examined by a 125I absorption scan (Wisconsin) and the middle phalanx of the little finger examined by roentgenograms (Texas Woman's University method) were found to be the sites and methods most likely to reflect osteoporosis of the spine. These methods were rated diagnostic. Less sensitive but useful for screening purposes were the background method applied to the elbow, as well as the 125I scanning method and the Texas Woman's University and the Fels roentgenographic methods applied to the calcaneus. The ratio of bone mineral to bone width at the mid-radius as determined by 125I scanning showed a significant decrease with age in both normal and osteoporotic women; the rates of mineral loss were 1 per cent per year and 0.5 per cent per year respectively. A probable increase of the flaring of the distal end of the radius with age was observed in the normal women.