[Vertebral body lesions as an interference factor in quantitative computed tomography of the lumbar spine. An analysis of 1116 standardized performed measurements].

The type, frequency and location of lumbar vertebral lesions that may interfere with quantitative computed tomographic (QCT) estimation of bone mineral content were analysed in 1166 cases. All examinations were carried out with a standard protocol on the second, third and fourth vertebral body. A total of 130 lesions were identified, the majority of which included degenerative sclerosis of L4 and compression fractures of L2. Evaluation of 28 QCTs with compression fracture in one vertebral body showed that an accurate BMC value was obtained with an interendplate distance of 13 mm or more.