Correlation of total-body bone mineral content determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with bone mineral density determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the value of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in measuring bone mineral density. METHODS: In 50 healthy, eugonodal premenopausal women, we correlated measurements of total bone mineral content (BMCTB), made with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and bone mineral density, determined by pQCT. RESULTS: The partial correlations, adjusted for weight and age, between BMCTB and cortical bone density, total bone density, and trabecular bone density were .71 (p < .0001), .63 (p < .0001), and .32 (p < .05), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results and the advantages of pQCT--providing precise bone density determinations for trabecular and compact bone separately, having a high spatial resolution that allows a "compartmental" analysis of bone structure, having a low coefficient of variation, and having a minimal radiation dose (< 5 mrem)--confirm the adequacy of using this method for bone mass studies.