The Correlation Between Proximal Humeral Cortical Thickness and Bone Mineral Density

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between proximal humeral cortical bone thickness and bone mineral density, and to find the sensitivity and specificity of any values of cortical thickness for evaluating osteoporosis.

Materials and methods: Prospective observational study was done in people who were screened for osteoporosis at Somdejprabuddhalertla Hospital during January 2016 to May 2016. The people who had DXA scan were sent to X-ray right humerus in AP view to calculate the cortical thickness. The correlation between these values and BMD were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients.

Result: 107 people were enrolled in this study. The proximal humeral cortical thickness was correlated significantly with BMD at femoral neck, total hip and L1-L4 spine with r = 0.69, 0.62 and 0.51, respectively. The value of cortical thickness that equal or less than 6mm had 98% sensitivity and negative predictive value at 95% for predicting osteoporosis.

Conclusion: The proximal humeral cortical thickness was correlated with BMD and can be used for screening of osteoporosis.