Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scanning for Osteoporosis Detection: Analysis of Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning is a rapid and accurate noninvasive procedure utilized to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and diagnose osteoporosis. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis in different regions of the body using DEXA scanning in patients attending a tertiary care private hospital. Additionally, we aimed to raise awareness about approved diagnostic methods for osteoporosis. Methodology: For this retrospective study, a sample size of 384 participants was determined. The selection of participants was based on convenience sampling, considering their availability and accessibility. Data were collected from adult patients aged 18 years and above who underwent DEXA scanning. The information was compiled using Microsoft Excel, obtained from the patient's treating physicians, and evaluated by two medical graduates. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results: The findings unveiled an overarching osteoporosis prevalence of 38.5%, accompanied by distinctive figures of 38.7%, 8.9%, and 38.4% in the lumbar, hip, and forearm regions, respectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of osteopenia was found in 33% of participants in the lumbar region, 35.1% in the hip region, and 39.7% in the forearm region. Additionally, no significant association was found between gender and overall osteoporosis prevalence, suggesting that the susceptibility to osteoporosis did not significantly differ between genders. Moreover, the study emphasized the variations in bone density across different skeletal regions, with the forearm region displaying the lowest mean T-score and Z-score. Conclusions: The results of this study on osteoporosis prevalence in the lumbar, hip, and forearm regions indicate varying rates among these skeletal sites. Notably, both male and female patients demonstrated an equal susceptibility to developing osteoporosis. Interestingly, the forearm region emerged as the most common site for osteoporosis in males (34.6%), while the lumbar region was the most common in females (41.6%).