Assessment of trabecular bone structure in postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis in women by image analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess bone trabecular structure in postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis.

METHODS

The study was performed on transiliac specimens obtained from women with postmenopausal (n=10) and senile osteoporosis (n=10) and on normal autopsy bone (n=7). Digitalized microradiographs were analysed using dedicated software allowing for selection of longitudinal and transversal elements.

RESULTS

Significant differences between transversal and control, as well as between longitudinal and control trabecular areas were observed in senile osteoporosis (p<0.005). In postmenopausal osteoporosis, such differences were found for longitudinal trabeculae only (p<0.005). Mean longitudinal trabecular area loss in senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis as compared to control group was 57.2% and 25.7%, respectively. Respective values for transversal trabecular area were 35.0% and 59.4%.

CONCLUSION

Structural anisotropy of trabecular bone is greater in postmenopausal than in senile osteoporosis and control group. The method developed allows the evaluation of bone structures in radiographs with uneven exposure.