Bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral trabecular bone score (TBS) for the identification of elderly women at high risk for fracture: the SEMOF cohort study

Can TBS reference values be a valid indicator for clinical vertebral fracture? A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is partially independent of fracture risk. Reference values for TBS have not been established in official guidelines, and thus clinicians often have difficulty interpreting TBS results. This study aimed to investigate whether reference values for TBS could be a valid indicator for clinical vertebral fracture (CVF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 231 women with CVF and 563 women without CVF aged 60-90 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during 2019-2023. They were divided into osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal groups according to bone mineral density of the lumbar spine. Reference values for TBS were defined as low (≤ 1.23), intermediate (1.23-1.31), and high (≥ 1.31).

RESULTS

Among patients without anti-osteoporosis treatment (n = 476), the proportion with low TBS was 36.7% in the CVF group and 10.7% in the control group. The proportion with CVF was higher in the low TBS group than in the intermediate and high TBS groups, especially in the osteoporosis group (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for CVF was higher in the low TBS group than in the intermediate and high especially in patients with normal BMD and osteoporosis. The TBS cut-off values for incidence of CVF in the osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal groups were 1.224, 1.319, and 1.322, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reference value for low TBS (≤ 1.23) was useful as an indicator for CVF, especially in patients with osteoporosis. It is expected that reference values for TBS will be established in official guidelines in the future.

Clinical Use of Trabecular Bone Score: The 2023 ISCD Official Positions

Osteoporosis can currently be diagnosed by applying the WHO classification to bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, skeletal factors other than BMD contribute to bone strength and fracture risk. Lumbar spine TBS, a grey-level texture measure which is derived from DXA images has been extensively studied, enhances fracture prediction independent of BMD and can be used to adjust fracture probability from FRAX® to improve risk stratification. The purpose of this International Society for Clinical Densitometry task force was to review the existing evidence and develop recommendations to assist clinicians regarding when and how to perform, report and utilize TBS. Our review concluded that TBS is most likely to alter clinical management in patients aged ≥ 40 years who are close to the pharmacologic intervention threshold by FRAX. The TBS value from L1-L4 vertebral levels, without vertebral exclusions, should be used to calculate adjusted FRAX probabilities. L1-L4 vertebral levels can be used in the presence of degenerative changes and lumbar compression fractures. It is recommended not to report TBS if extreme structural or pathological artifacts are present. Monitoring and reporting TBS change is unlikely to be helpful with the current version of the TBS algorithm. The next version of TBS software will include an adjustment based upon directly measured tissue thickness. This is expected to improve performance and address some of the technical factors that affect the current algorithm which may require modifications to these Official Positions as experience is acquired with this new algorithm.

Update on the clinical use of trabecular bone score (TBS) in the management of osteoporosis: results of an expert group meeting organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO), and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) under the auspices of WHO Collaborating Center for Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging

PURPOSE

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a grey-level textural measurement acquired from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lumbar spine images and is a validated index of bone microarchitecture. In 2015, a Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) published a review of the TBS literature, concluding that TBS predicts hip and major osteoporotic fracture, at least partly independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors. It was also concluded that TBS is potentially amenable to change as a result of pharmacological therapy. Further evidence on the utility of TBS has since accumulated in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and the introduction of FRAX and BMD T-score adjustment for TBS has accelerated adoption. This position paper therefore presents a review of the updated scientific literature and provides expert consensus statements and corresponding operational guidelines for the use of TBS.

METHODS

An Expert Working Group was convened by the ESCEO and a systematic review of the evidence undertaken, with defined search strategies for four key topics with respect to the potential use of TBS: (1) fracture prediction in men and women; (2) initiating and monitoring treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis; (3) fracture prediction in secondary osteoporosis; and (4) treatment monitoring in secondary osteoporosis. Statements to guide the clinical use of TBS were derived from the review and graded by consensus using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

A total of 96 articles were reviewed and included data on the use of TBS for fracture prediction in men and women, from over 20 countries. The updated evidence shows that TBS enhances fracture risk prediction in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and can, when taken with BMD and clinical risk factors, inform treatment initiation and the choice of antiosteoporosis treatment. Evidence also indicates that TBS provides useful adjunctive information in monitoring treatment with long-term denosumab and anabolic agents. All expert consensus statements were voted as strongly recommended.

CONCLUSION

The addition of TBS assessment to FRAX and/or BMD enhances fracture risk prediction in primary and secondary osteoporosis, adding useful information for treatment decision-making and monitoring. The expert consensus statements provided in this paper can be used to guide the integration of TBS in clinical practice for the assessment and management of osteoporosis. An example of an operational approach is provided in the appendix. This position paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence base, synthesised through expert consensus statements, which informs the implementation of Trabecular Bone Score in clinical practice.

Update on trabecular bone score

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is an indirect and noninvasive measure of bone quality. A low TBS indicates degraded bone microarchitecture, predicts osteoporotic fracture, and is partially independent of clinical risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD). There is substantial evidence supporting the use of TBS to assess vertebral, hip, and major osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women, as well as to assess hip and major osteoporotic fracture risk in men aged > 50 years. TBS complements BMD information and can be used to adjust the FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) score to improve risk stratification. While TBS should not be used to monitor antiresorptive therapy, it may be potentially useful for monitoring anabolic therapy. There is also a growing body of evidence indicating that TBS is particularly useful as an adjunct to BMD for fracture risk assessment in conditions associated with increased fracture risk, such as type-2 diabetes, chronic corticosteroid excess, and other conditions wherein BMD readings are often misleading. The interference of abdominal soft tissue thickness (STT) on TBS should also be considered when interpreting these findings because image noise can impact TBS evaluation. A new TBS software version based on an algorithm that accounts for STT rather than BMI seems to correct this technical limitation and is under development. In this paper, we review the current state of TBS, its technical aspects, and its evolving role in the assessment and management of several clinical conditions.

Identifying vertebral fractures in the Japanese population using the trabecular bone score: a cross-sectional study

Background

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is reported to be an independent predictor of fracture risk in patients with primary or secondary osteoporosis. However, there have been few reports on its use in the Japanese population. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for vertebral fracture in the Japanese population and to evaluate the usefulness of TBS.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 279 patients aged 60–90 years in whom bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TBS was calculated based on the DXA scans. The presence or absence of vertebral fractures was assessed from T11 to L5. The patients were divided into those with vertebral fractures (VF group, n = 104) and those without vertebral fractures (non-VF group, n = 175).

Results

Of the 104 patients in the VF group, 75 had 1 vertebral fracture and 29 had 2 or more fractures. The mean TBS was 1.28 in the VF group and 1.35 in the non-VF group (p < 0.001). The mean BMD values at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were lower in the VF group (p < 0.001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for incidence of vertebral fractures were 0.700, 0.737, and 0.689 for TBS, lumbar spine BMD, and femoral neck BMD, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified lumbar spine BMD, TBS, and female sex as significant risk factors for vertebral fractures. The proportion of patients in the group with osteoporosis or osteopenia who had vertebral fractures was higher in those with a low TBS (≤ 1.23) than in those with a non-low TBS (> 1.23).

Conclusion

TBS was a significant indicator of vertebral fractures in the Japanese population and might contribute to identifying patients with vertebral fractures, particularly those with osteopenia who need pharmacologic therapy.

Spine Fragility Fracture Prediction Using TBS and BMD in Postmenopausal Women: A Bayesian Approach

The trabecular bone score (TBS) estimates bone microarchitecture and can be used to evaluate the risk of osteoporotic fractures independently of bone mineral density (BMD). In this retrospective case-control study, we tested and compared the ability of TBS and lumbar spine BMD (LS-BMD) to predict vertebral fragility fractures. The inclusion criteria were female sex, age range 50-90 years, menopause, and clinical risk factors for osteoporosis. Patients with secondary osteoporosis were excluded. LS-BMD and TBS were measured at the L1-L4 vertebral level. The ability of the two diagnostic systems in predicting vertebral fragility fractures was assessed by combining LS-BMD and TBS according to the Bayesian "OR rule" (the diagnosis is negative only for those negative for both tests, and it is positive for those who were positive for at least one test) or to the "AND rule" (the diagnosis is positive only for those positive to both tests and is negative for those negative for at least one test). Of the 992 postmenopausal women included, 86 had a documented vertebral fragility fracture. At the cutoff value used in the present study, the TBS and LS-BMD showed a similar diagnostic ability to predict vertebral fragility fractures, having positive predictive values (PPV) of, respectively, 13.19% and 13.24%. Negative predictive values (NPV) were, respectively, 95.40% and 94.95%. Compared to that of each single diagnostic system, the "OR-rule" significantly increased the NPV to 97.89%, while no statistically significant differences were found by using the "AND-rule". In conclusion, the present study highlights the possibility that combining LS-BMD and TBS could improve their predictive ability in diagnosing vertebral fragility fractures, and that there is a significant probability of absence of fractures in women who test negative to both diagnostic systems.

Abnormal Trabecular Bone Score, Lower Bone Mineral Density and Lean Mass in Young Women With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Are Prevented by Oestrogen Replacement

Background

Low bone density (BMD) and fractures commonly affect women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, bone microarchitecture and body composition data are lacking.

Objective

To assess and characterise musculoskeletal phenotype and effects of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in women with POI.

Method

Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of 60 normal karyotype women with POI, aged 20-40 years, from 2005-2018. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived spinal (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD, trabecular bone score (TBS), appendicular lean mass (ALM), total fat mass (TFM), and fracture prevalence were compared with 60 age-, and BMI-matched population-based controls. Longitudinal changes in bone and body composition variables and ERT effects were analysed using linear mixed models over a median duration of 6 years.

Results

Women with POI were subdivided into spontaneous (s)-POI (n=25) and iatrogenic (i)-POI (n=35). Median(range) age of POI diagnosis was 34 (10-40) years with baseline DXA performed at median 1(0-13) year post-diagnosis. ERT was used by 82% women (similar for both POI groups). FN-BMD were lowest in s-POI (p<0.002). Low TBS was more common in s-POI [(44%), p=0.03], versus other groups. LS-BMD and ALM were lower in both s-POI and i-POI groups than controls (p<0.05). Fracture prevalence was not significantly different: 20% (s-POI), 17% (i-POI), and 8% (controls) (p=0.26). Longitudinal analysis of 23 POI women showed regular ERT was associated with ALM increment of 127.05 g/year (p<0.001) and protected against bone loss. However, ERT interruption was associated with annual reductions in FN BMD and TBS of 0.020g/cm2 and 0.0070 (p<0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

Deficits in BMD, trabecular microarchitecture, and lean mass were present in women with POI. However, regular ERT protected against declines in bone variables, with an increase in ALM. Assessment of skeletal and muscle health, and advocating ERT adherence, is essential in POI to optimise musculoskeletal outcomes.

Trabecular Bone Score Could Not Predict the Bone Mineral Density of Proximal Humerus

Background

Osteoporosis is an important clinical factor for tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Conventional dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine (LS) does not represent proximal humeral bone mineral density (BMD). Theoretically, direct measurement of the BMD of the proximal humerus is the best method; however, it is not popular and is non-standardized. Therefore, we evaluate whether the trabecular bone score (TBS) using LS DXA would represent proximal humeral BMD.

Methods

Conventional hip and LS DXA and proximal humeral BMD were measured in 212 consecutive ARCR patients, and TBS was calculated using LS DXA. Comparative analysis between the affected and contralateral asymptomatic shoulders was done; moreover, correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the representativity of TBS for proximal humeral BMD. Regression analysis was performed to elucidate the risk factor of intraoperative suture anchor failure (ISAF).

Results

BMDs of the affected shoulder were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side (all P<0.05). TBS failed to present a strong correlation with proximal humeral BMD (correlation coefficients 0.155–0.506, all P<0.05), and the BMD of the greater tuberosity (GT) of the proximal humerus was revealed to be a sole risk factor for ISAF (odds ratio, 0.01, P=0.020).

Conclusions

TBS and conventional hip and LS DXA did not represent proximal humeral BMD. Furthermore, among the various radiological measurements, the BMD of the GT was a sole risk factor of ISAF. Therefore, further research for the direct measurement of proximal humeral BMD is mandatory to predict proximal humeral focal osteoporosis.

Factors associated with TBS worse than BMD in non-osteoporotic elderly population: Bushehr elderly health program

BACKGROUND

Bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) are moderately correlated. TBS is sometimes used as an adjuvant to BMD in the fracture risk assessment. Some individuals with normal BMD or osteopenia, have more degraded TBS. We aimed to identify factors associated with TBS worse than BMD in the non-osteoporotic elderly population.

METHODS

The study subjects were selected from 2384 women and men aged ≥60 years participating in the second stage of the Bushehr Elderly Health program, a population-based prospective cohort study in Iran. The BMDs of different sites and the lumbar spine texture were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the TBS algorithm, respectively. Subjects were categorized based on their BMD and TBS status. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with "TBS worse than BMD" in non-osteoporotic individuals.

RESULTS

Of 1335 participants included in the study, 112 of 457 women, and 54 of 878 men had worse TBS than BMD. In multivariable analysis, TBS worse than BMD in women was statistically significantly associated with years since menopause (OR: 1.04 (1.00-1.07)) and waist circumference (OR: 1.09 (1.05-1.14)). However, in men, the condition was statistically significantly associated with waist circumference (OR: 1.10 (1.03-1.17)), current smoking (OR: 2.54 (1.10-5.84)), and HDL-C (OR: 1.03 (1.00-1.06)).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study show that higher waist circumference is associated with more degraded TBS than BMD in both men and women. Years passed since menopause and current smoking, respectively in women and men, were associated with more degraded TBS. Considering TBS values in older individuals with higher waist circumference, or a history of smoking despite normal BMDs might help more accurate assessment of bone health. However, further studies are required to confirm the benefit.

Premenopausal and early postmenopausal trabecular bone score (TBS) and fracture risk: Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN)

BACKGROUND

Evidence that trabecular bone score (TBS), an index of bone microstructure, is a risk factor for future fracture comes mainly from studies of late postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

To discern whether premenopausal TBS or early postmenopausal TBS predict fracture.

DESIGN

A 22-year, prospective analysis from the Study of Women's Health Across Nation.

SETTING

Community-based cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

272 Black, 174 Japanese, and 364 White women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident fractures: 292 in premenopausal sample and 141 in early postmenopausal sample.

RESULTS

Separate Cox proportional hazard regressions modeled time to incident fracture as a function of TBS measured during premenopause or early postmenopause. Models were initially adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, SWAN clinical site, body mass index, use of calcium, vitamin D, bone beneficial or bone adverse medication. Next, we added lumbar spine (LS) or femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) and, finally, history of prior fracture, to the models. For each standard deviation decrement in premenopausal TBS, fracture hazard was elevated by 17% (relative hazard [RH] 1.17 [95% CI, 1.02-1.35]); after adjusting for LS or FN BMD, the relation between premenopausal TBS and fracture was no longer statistically significant. There was a similar-magnitude, marginally statistically significant, association between early postmenopausal TBS and fracture, unadjusted for BMD (RH 1.15 [0.95-1.39]).

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in premenopausal TBS is related to fracture risk, but this association is not independent of BMD.

Helicobacter pylori Related Diseases and Osteoporotic Fractures (Narrative Review)

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteoporotic fractures (OFs) are common multifactorial and heterogenic disorders of increasing incidence. Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) colonizes the stomach approximately in half of the world's population, causes gastroduodenal diseases and is prevalent in numerous extra-digestive diseases known to be associated with OP/OF. The studies regarding relationship between H.p. infection (HPI) and OP/OFs are inconsistent. The current review summarizes the relevant literature on the potential role of HPI in OP, falls and OFs and highlights the reasons for controversies in the publications. In the first section, after a brief overview of HPI biological features, we analyze the studies evaluating the association of HPI and bone status. The second part includes data on the prevalence of OP/OFs in HPI-induced gastroduodenal diseases (peptic ulcer, chronic/atrophic gastritis and cancer) and the effects of acid-suppressive drugs. In the next section, we discuss the possible contribution of HPI-associated extra-digestive diseases and medications to OP/OF, focusing on conditions affecting both bone homeostasis and predisposing to falls. In the last section, we describe clinical implications of accumulated data on HPI as a co-factor of OP/OF and present a feasible five-step algorithm for OP/OF risk assessment and management in regard to HPI, emphasizing the importance of an integrative (but differentiated) holistic approach. Increased awareness about the consequences of HPI linked to OP/OF can aid early detection and management. Further research on the HPI-OP/OF relationship is needed to close current knowledge gaps and improve clinical management of both OP/OF and HPI-related disorders.

Trabecular Bone Score-An Emerging Tool in the Management of Osteoporosis

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, however, it has its own pitfalls. Trabecular bone score (TBS), a novel tool in the evaluation of osteoporosis is an indirect indicator of bone microarchitecture. It is a textural index that evaluates pixel gray-level variations in the lumbar spine DXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) image. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have demonstrated that TBS may independently predict fragility fractures. TBS can also be used to adjust FRAX probabilities of fracture, though data available till date doesn't support any additional benefit. TBS also shows an improving trend with anti-osteoporotic treatment; however, the least significant change (LSC) is high that it takes more than 2 years for the change to manifest. TBS is also used in the evaluation of bone strength in cases of secondary osteoporosis. Though TBS predicts fracture risk independently in both genders, with the currently available data, it cannot be recommended as a standalone tool for decision regarding treatment of osteoporosis. TBS can be used as a tool to complement BMD in assessment of bone health. Additional studies are needed to assess its utility in clinical practice.

"Inflammaging" and bone in the OsteoLaus cohort

Background

“Inflammaging” is a coined term that combines the processes of inflammation (within the normal range) and aging, since chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation emerges with increasing age. Unlike high-level inflammation, with which deleterious effects on bone no longer need to be demonstrated, it is unclear whether inflammaging exerts deleterious effects on bone too.

Method

We assessed associations between inflammaging — measured via cytokine levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); interleukin-1β (IL-1β); interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) — and bone parameters (prevalent and incident fractures, bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS)) in 1390 postmenopausal women from the OsteoLaus study.

Results

Mean (±SD) age was 64.5 ± 7.6 and mean bone mass index (BMI) 25.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Median hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were 1.4 pg/ml, 0.57 pg/ml, 2.36 pg/ml and 4.82 pg/ml, respectively. In total, 10.50% of the participants had a prevalent, low-impact fracture; and, after 5-years of follow up, 5.91% had an incident, low-impact fracture. Mean T-score BMD was − 1.09 ± 1.53 for the spine, − 1.08 ± 1.02 for the femoral neck, and − 0.72 ± 0.96 for the total hip. Mean spine TBS was 1.320 ± 0.10. We found a positive association between hs-CRP and BMD at all sites, and between hs-CRP and the TBS, but none of these associations were significant after adjustment. We found no association between prevalent or incident fractures and hs-CRP. No association was found between IL-1β, IL6 and TNF-α and BMD, TBS or fractures.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that bone imaging and structure parameters are not associated with the low-grade cytokine levels (within the normal range) observed with inflammaging.

Digital radiography as an alternative method in the evaluation of bone density in uremic rats

INTRODUCTION

Digital radiography (DRx) may provide a suitable alternative to investigate mineral and bone disorder (MBD) and loss of bone density (BD) in rodent models of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to use DRx to evaluate BD in CKD rats, and to evaluate the correlation between DRx findings and serum MBD markers and bone histomorphometry.

METHODS

Uremia was induced by feeding Wistar rats an adenine-enriched diet (0.75% for 4 weeks/0.10% for 3 weeks); outcomes were compared to a control group at experimental weeks 3, 4, and 7. The following biochemical markers were measured: creatinine clearance (CrC), phosphate (P), calcium (Ca), fractional excretion of P (FeP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). DRx imaging was performed and histomorphometry analysis was conducted using the left femur.

RESULTS

As expected, at week 7, uremic rats presented with reduced CrC and higher levels of P, FeP, and ALP compared to controls. DRx confirmed the lower BD in uremic animals (0.57±0.07 vs. 0.68 ± 0.06 a.u.; p = 0.016) compared to controls at the end of week 7, when MBD was more prominent. A severe form of high-turnover bone disease accompanied these biochemical changes. BD measured on DRx correlated to P (r=-0.81; p = 0.002), ALP (r = -0.69, p = 0.01), PTH (r = -0.83, p = 0.01), OS/BS (r = -0.70; p = 0.02), and ObS/BS (r = -0.70; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

BD quantified by DRx was associated with the typical complications of MBD in CKD and showed to be viable in the evaluation of bone alterations in CKD.

Determinants of trabecular bone score and prevalent vertebral fractures in women with fragility fractures: a cross-sectional sub-study of NoFRACT

Determinants of trabecular bone score (TBS) and vertebral fractures assessed semiquantitatively (SQ1-SQ3) were studied in 496 women with fragility fractures. TBS was associated with age, parental hip fracture, alcohol intake and BMD, not SQ1-SQ3 fractures. SQ1-SQ3 fractures were associated with age, prior fractures, and lumbar spine BMD, but not TBS.

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular bone score (TBS) and vertebral fractures assessed by semiquantitative method (SQ1-SQ3) seem to reflect different aspects of bone strength. We therefore sought to explore the determinants of and the associations between TBS and SQ1-SQ3 fractures.

METHODS

This cross-sectional sub-study of the Norwegian Capture the Fracture Initiative included 496 women aged ≥ 50 years with fragility fractures. All responded to a questionnaire about risk factors for fracture, had bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral neck and/or lumbar spine assessed, TBS calculated, and 423 had SQ1-SQ3 fracture assessed.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age was 65.6 years (8.6), mean TBS 1.27 (0.10), and 33.3% exhibited SQ1-SQ3 fractures. In multiple variable analysis, higher age (β_{per SD} = - 0.26, 95% CI: - 0.36,- 0.15), parental hip fracture (β = - 0.29, 95% CI: - 0.54,- 0.05), and daily alcohol intake (β = - 0.43, 95% CI - 0.79, - 0.08) were associated with lower TBS. Higher BMD of femoral neck (β_{per SD} = 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.43) and lumbar spine (β_{per SD} = 0.40, 95% CI 0.31-0.48) were associated with higher TBS. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, age (OR_{per SD} = 1.94, 95% CI 1.51-2.46) and prior fragility fractures (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.09-2.71) were positively associated with SQ1-SQ3 fractures, while lumbar spine BMD (OR_{per SD} = 0.75 95% CI 0.60-0.95) was negatively associated with SQ1-SQ3 fractures. No association between TBS and SQ1-SQ3 fractures was found.

CONCLUSION

Since TBS and SQ1-SQ3 fractures were not associated, they may act as independent risk factors, justifying the use of both in post-fracture risk assessment.

Trabecular bone score, a new bone quality index, is associated with severe periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The association between systemic bone loss and periodontitis remains unresolved; and the trabecular bone score (TBS) is a new index for assessing decreased bone quality. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the association between TBS and severe periodontitis.

METHODS

Eight hundred and five Thai participants, aged 30 to 82 years, underwent bone quality assessment. Their mean TBS was calculated from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images at the L1 to L4 lumbar spine using TBS software. Each participant was classified as normal, partially degraded, or degraded TBS. Full-mouth periodontal examinations determined plaque score, probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and the number of remaining teeth. The participants were classified as non-severe or severe periodontitis. Differences in periodontal parameters between the TBS groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The association between TBS and severe periodontitis was assessed with multivariate binary logistic regression. For severe periodontitis, the additive interaction between TBS and oral hygiene status was also analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean CAL was 0.9-mm higher in the degraded TBS group compared with the normal TBS group. Degraded TBS was associated with severe periodontitis with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03 to 4.26). The combination of degraded TBS and plaque score ≥80% increased the adjusted OR to 5.71 (95% CI = 1.15 to 28.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Degraded TBS is associated with severe periodontitis and has a synergistic effect with poor oral hygiene, suggesting monitoring decreased bone quality and good oral hygiene for promoting the periodontal-systemic health of these individuals.

A High-Intensity Exercise Intervention Improves Older Women Lumbar Spine and Distal Tibia Bone Microstructure and Function: A 20-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: The effects of ageing on bone can be mitigated with different types of physical training, such as power training. However, stimuli that combine increasing external and internal loads concomitantly may improve bone quality. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combined power and plyometric training on lumbar spine and distal tibia microstructure and function. Methods: 38 sedentary elderly women between 60 and 70 years were randomly allocated in experimental (N = 21) and control group (N = 17). The effects of the 20-week protocol on lumbar spine microstructure and tibia microstructure and function were assessed by trabecular bone score (TBS), high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and microfinite element analysis. Results: when compared to the effects found in the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in lumbar spine TBS (Hedges' g = 0.77); and in distal tibia trabecular thickness (g = 0.82) and trabecular bone mineral density (g=0.63). Conclusion: our findings underscore the effectiveness of the proposed intervention, suggesting it as a new strategy to slow down and even reverse the structural and functional losses in the skeletal system due to ageing.

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Monitoring with Trabecular Bone Score: 2019 ISCD Official Position

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a textural index that evaluates pixel gray-level variations in the lumbar spine image by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It provides an indirect assessment of trabecular microarchitecture that is an independent predictor of fracture risk. TBS does not appear to be clinically useful to monitor the skeletal effects of bisphosphonates and denosumab, but is potentially useful as a component of monitoring the skeletal effects of teriparatide and abaloparatide. The least significant change (LSC) for TBS can be conservatively estimated to be about 5.8% (the largest LSC in published data) or calculated by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry facility using the same methodology that is used for bone mineral density (BMD) precision assessment to calculate BMD LSC. A review of the best available evidence at the 2019 ISCD Position Development Conference concluded that the role of TBS in monitoring antiresorptive therapy is unclear and that TBS is potentially useful for monitoring anabolic therapy. For patients treated with teriparatide or abaloparatide, a statistically significant increase in TBS may represent a clinically meaningful improvement in trabecular structure. A significant decrease of TBS may represent a worsening of trabecular structure, suggesting the need for further clinical assessment and possible change in treatment strategies. Since BMD measures bone quantity and TBS measures bone quality, these tests can be considered complementary in assessing fracture risk and response to therapy in appropriate patients.

The Correlation between Trabecular Bone Score and Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Normal and High Body Mass Index

Background:

Trabecular bone score (TBS) measures the underlying quality of bone texture using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and TBS, and subsequently determine whether the association varies with the body mass index (BMI).

Methods:

Data from 548 patients were collected and categorized into three groups according to the relationship between BMD and age. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) using DXA and TBS from DXA images were measured. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (SPSS software, version 24.0) was used to investigate the association between LS-BMD and TBS, as well as the effect of BMI and age on these parameters. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The total mean TBS was 1.31±0.12. LS-BMD and TBS values significantly decreased with age in both sexes. A statistically significant correlation was found between TBS and LS-BMD (r=0.601). An increase in BMI was associated with a higher LS-BMD score and a lower TBS level. The correlation coefficient between LS-BMD and TBS reduced as the BMI increased. By comparing TBS with BMD, the majority of the patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis had fully degraded and partially degraded TBS, respectively.

Conclusion:

TBS was positively correlated with LS-BMD and decreased with age. Moreover, the extent of the correlation varied with respect to BMI.

The utility and limitations of using trabecular bone score with FRAX

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a texture index derived from the lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry which can assess skeletal quality and provide information about fracture risk independent of bone mineral density (BMD). TBS is useful in assessing osteoporotic fracture risk, with lower TBS values associated with increased fracture risk. In this article, we review the current state of TBS, including its utility and limitations in the assessment and management of osteoporosis, with particular emphasis on the recent literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ten-year fracture risk assessment using the FRAX tool can be improved through the use of a TBS adjustment. The use of TBS-adjusted FRAX can change management in a modest but significant number of patients, particularly in those close to an intervention threshold. Change in lumbar spine TBS for patients undergoing antiresorptive treatment is not a useful indicator of antifracture effect.

SUMMARY

Lumbar spine TBS provides information complementary to conventional BMD, and has been shown to be clinically useful for enhancing fracture risk prediction.

Factors associated with low trabecular bone scores in patients with end-stage kidney disease

The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a textural index that indirectly assesses bone trabecular microarchitecture using lumbar spine images obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study compared the TBS of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with that of matched controls to identify risk factors associated with a low TBS. TBS and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed in ESKD patients (n = 76) and age- and sex-matched control subjects (n = 76) using DXA. The TBS of both groups was then compared, and risk factors associated with a low TBS (defined as ≤ 1.31) were evaluated. The mean TBS in the ESKD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.34 ± 0.15 vs. 1.43 ± 0.08, respectively; p < 0.001). More subjects in the ESKD group had a low TBS [34.2% (ESRD) vs. 5.3% (controls); p < 0.001]. The TBS was negatively correlated with age, alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein levels, and dialysis vintage, and positively correlated with BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip. Multivariate analysis identified lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and increased C-reactive protein levels as being significantly associated with a low TBS. In conclusion, ESKD patients had abnormal bone microarchitecture (as assessed by the TBS). The TBS was positively correlated with BMD. Renal function and inflammatory marker levels were independently associated with a low TBS. Thus, TBS may be a useful clinical tool for assessing cancellous bone connectivity in ESKD patients.

High prevalence of vertebral fractures and low trabecular bone score in patients with fragility fractures: A cross-sectional sub-study of NoFRACT

PURPOSE

Norway has among the highest incidence rates of fractures in the world. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and trabecular bone score (TBS) provide information about fracture risk, but their importance have not been studied in Norwegian patients with fragility fractures. The objectives of this study were to examine the clinical characteristics of a cohort of women and men with fragility fractures, their prevalence of vertebral fractures using VFA and prevalence of low TBS, and explore the differences between the sexes and patients with and without vertebral fractures.

METHODS

This cross-sectional sub-study of the Norwegian Capture the Fracture Initiative (NoFRACT) included 839 patients with fragility fractures. Of these, 804 patients had bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip, femoral neck and/or spine assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, 679 underwent concomitant VFA, 771 had TBS calculated and 696 responded to a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean age was 65.8 (SD 8.8) years and 80.5% were women. VFA revealed vertebral fractures in 34.8% of the patients and 34.0% had low TBS (≤ 1.23), with no differences between the sexes. In all patients with valid measures of both VFA and TBS, 53.8% had either vertebral fractures, low TBS, or both. In the patients with osteopenia at the femoral neck, 53.6% had either vertebral fractures, low TBS, or both. Femoral neck BMD T-score ≤ -2.5 was found in 13.8% of all patients, whereas the corresponding figure was 27.4% using the skeletal site with lowest T-score. Women exhibited lower BMD at all sites and lower TBS than men (1.27 vs. 1.29), (all p < 0.05). Patients with prevalent vertebral fractures were older (69.4 vs. 64.0 years), exhibited lower BMD at all sites and lower TBS (1.25 vs.1.29) than those without vertebral fractures (all p < 0.05). Before assessment, 8.2% were taking anti-osteoporotic drugs (AOD), and after assessment, the prescription rate increased to 56.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the patients with fragility fractures had vertebral fractures, low TBS or both. The prescription of AOD increased seven fold from before assessment to after assessment, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment after a fragility fracture.

Current and Emerging Diagnostic Imaging-Based Techniques for Assessment of Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mass, degradation of bone microarchitecture, and susceptibility to fracture. It is a growing major health concern across the world, especially in the elderly population. Osteoporosis can cause hip or spinal fractures that may lead to high morbidity and socio-economic burden. Therefore, there is a need for early diagnosis of osteoporosis and prediction of fragility fracture risk. In this review, state of the art and recent advances in imaging techniques for diagnosis of osteoporosis and fracture risk assessment have been explored. Segmentation methods used to segment the regions of interest and texture analysis methods used for classification of healthy and osteoporotic subjects are also presented. Furthermore, challenges posed by the current diagnostic tools have been studied and feasible solutions to circumvent the limitations are discussed. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis and prediction of fracture risk require the development of highly precise and accurate low-cost diagnostic techniques that would help the elderly population in low economies.

Review on the Utility of Trabecular Bone Score, a Surrogate of Bone Micro-architecture, in the Chronic Kidney Disease Spectrum and in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for >3 months, with implications for, among others, bone health. Advanced stages of CKD have an increased risk of fragility fractures. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a relatively new gray-level textural parameter, which provides information on bone microarchitecture and has been shown to be a good predictor of fragility fractures independently of bone density and clinical risk factors. We aimed to review the scientific literature on TBS and its utility along the CKD spectrum and in kidney transplant recipients. In total, eight articles had investigated this topic: one article in patients with reduced kidney function, two in patients on hemodialysis, and five in kidney transplant recipients. In general, all the studies had shown an association between lower values of TBS and reduced kidney function; or lower TBS values among the hemodialysis or kidney transplant patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, TBS was shown to be a good and independent predictor of fragility fractures in patients with CKD or who underwent kidney transplantation. TBS postulates itself as a valuable marker to be used in clinical practice as an assessor of bone microarchitecture and fracture risk predictor in these specific populations. However, evidence is to some extent limited and larger follow-up case-control studies would help to further investigate the TBS utility in the management of bone health damage and increased fracture risk in patients with CKD or kidney transplant.

The role of carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen, dual x-ray absorptiometry bone strain and Romberg test in a new osteoporotic fracture risk evaluation: A proposal from an observational study

The consolidated way of diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in order to prevent fragility fractures has recently been questioned by some papers, which complained of overdiagnosis and consequent overtreatment of this pathology with underestimating other causes of the fragility fractures, like falls. A new clinical approach is proposed for identifying the subgroup of patients prone to fragility fractures. This retrospective observational study was conducted from January to June 2015 at the Nuclear Medicine-Bone Metabolic Unit of the of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy. An Italian population of 125 consecutive postmenopausal women was investigated for bone quantity and bone quality. Patients with neurological diseases regarding balance and vestibular dysfunction, sarcopenia, past or current history of diseases and use of drugs known to affect bone metabolism were excluded. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess bone quantity (bone mineral density) and bone quality (trabecular bone score and bone strain). Biochemical markers of bone turnover (type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D) have been measured. Morphometric fractures have been searched by spine radiography. Balance was evaluated by the Romberg test. The data were evaluated with the neural network analysis using the Auto Contractive Map algorithm. The resulting semantic map shows the Minimal Spanning Tree and the Maximally Regular Graph of the interrelations between bone status parameters, balance conditions and fractures of the studied population. A low fracture risk seems to be related to a low carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen level, whereas a positive Romberg test, together with compromised bone trabecular microarchitecture DXA parameters, appears to be strictly connected with fragility fractures. A simple assessment of the risk of fragility fracture is proposed in order to identify those frail patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures, who may have the best benefit from a pharmacological and physiotherapeutic approach.

Comparisons of TBS and lumbar spine BMD in the associations with vertebral fractures according to the T-scores: A cross-sectional observation

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a parameter of bone quality that has been shown to be related to vertebral fractures. This study aimed to analyze the difference in discriminatory power of TBS for vertebral fractures according to the bone mineral density (BMD) T-score. Areal BMD at the lumbar spine (LS, L1-L4), femur neck (FN) and total hip were assessed using dual x-ray absorptiometry (Discovery W, Hologic, Bedford, MA) in 929 women aged 50years or older. TBS was analyzed using iNsight software (Med-Imaps, Pessac, France). Vertebral fractures were identified on lateral X-ray films of the thoracic and lumbar spine using a semi-quantitative method. The study subjects consisted of 158 subjects (17.0%) with normal BMD, 461 (49.6%) with osteopenia and 310 (33.4%) with osteoporosis. The incident vertebral fractures were observed in 92 (9.9%) subjects, including 59 fractures in osteoporosis, 29 fractures in osteopenia, and only 4 fractures in normal BMD. We stratified study subjects into two groups according to their BMD T-scores, osteoporosis or osteopenia/normal BMD. The logistic regression model showed that LS BMD values per each 1 standard deviation (SD) decrease were significantly associated with increased risk of vertebral fracture in both osteoporosis and osteopenia/normal BMD group with stronger association in osteoporosis group. However, a TBS value that was lower by 1SD was significantly associated with vertebral fracture risk only in the osteopenia/normal BMD group. The TBS use in addition to FN BMD and age also showed significantly better discriminatory power for vertebral fracture only in the osteopenia/normal BMD group, but not osteoporosis group. In conclusion, TBS is significantly associated with vertebral fractures in subjects with osteopenia/normal BMD levels. Additional assessment of bone microarchitecture using TBS is better able to identify women at risk of fracture, in particular, those with relatively higher BMD.

Utility of trabecular bone score in the evaluation of osteoporosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a lumbar spine dual-energy absorptiometry texture index which provides information on skeletal quality partially independent of bone mineral density (BMD). A body of work has emerged demonstrating the relationship between TBS and fracture risk, with lower TBS values associated with increased risk for osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women and older men. TBS is derived from standard DXA images; however, the information provided by TBS is complementary to that provided by BMD. In this article, we review the current state of TBS and its evolving role in the assessment and management of osteoporosis, with particular emphasis on the literature of the previous year.

RECENT FINDINGS

TBS-adjusted The Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX) probabilities enhance fracture risk prediction compared with conventional FRAX predictions. TBS has been found to better categorize fracture risk and assists in FRAX-based treatment decisions, particularly for patients close to an intervention threshold. However, change in lumbar spine TBS while undergoing antiresorptive treatment is not a useful indicator of antifracture effect.

SUMMARY

Lumbar spine TBS is a recently developed image-based software technique for skeletal assessment, complementary to conventional BMD, which has been shown to be clinically useful as a fracture risk prediction tool.

Clinical Utility of Using Lumbar Spine Trabecular Bone Score to Adjust Fracture Probability: The Manitoba BMD Cohort

Decreased lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS), a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived image texture measurement, is a risk factor for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) independent of 10-year fracture probability estimated using FRAX. We determined how often applying the TBS adjustment to fracture probability altered treatment qualification. Using a population-based registry containing all clinical DXA results for Manitoba, Canada, we identified 34,316 women with baseline spine and hip DXA, FRAX-based fracture probability measurements (computed with femoral neck bone mineral density), lumbar spine TBS, and minimum 5 years of observation (mean 8.7 years). Population-based health services data were used to identify incident non-traumatic MOF and HF in 3503 and 945 women, respectively. Baseline MOF and HF probabilities were estimated using FRAX before and after applying the TBS adjustment. Risk recategorization was assessed using net reclassification improvement (NRI) for individual FRAX-based intervention criteria and three national clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) (US National Osteoporosis Foundation, Osteoporosis Canada, and UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group). Overall, proportions of women reclassified with the TBS adjustment to FRAX were small (less than 5%) with more than 90% of the reclassification occurring close to the intervention threshold. For women close to an intervention cut-off reclassification, rates ranged from 9.0% to 17.9% and were <1% otherwise. There was a small but significant improvement in overall NRI for all individual FRAX-based intervention criteria (range 0.007 to 0.018) and all three national CPGs (range 0.008 to 0.011). NRI was larger in women below age 65 years (up to 0.056 for hip fracture). In summary, a small but significant improvement in MOF and HF risk assessment was found by using lumbar spine TBS to adjust FRAX probability. An improvement in risk reclassification was observed for CPGs from three different countries, with almost all of the benefit found in individuals close to an intervention threshold. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Insufficient stability of pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae: biomechanical correlation of bone mineral density and pedicle screw fixation strength

PURPOSE

Loosening of pedicle screws is one major complication of posterior spinal stabilisation, especially in the patients with osteoporosis. Augmentation of pedicle screws with cement or lengthening of the instrumentation is widely used to improve implant stability in these patients. However, it is still unclear from which value of bone mineral density (BMD) the stability of pedicle screws is insufficient and an additional stabilisation should be performed. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of bone mineral density and pedicle screw fatigue strength as well as to define a threshold value for BMD below which an additional stabilisation is recommended.

METHODS

Twenty-one human T12 vertebral bodies were collected from donors between 19 and 96 years of age and the BMD was measured using quantitative computed tomography. Each vertebral body was instrumented with one pedicle screw and mounted in a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Fatigue testing was performed by implementing a cranio-caudal sinusoidal, cyclic (0.5 Hz) load with stepwise increasing peak force.

RESULTS

A significant correlation between BMD and cycles to failure (r = 0.862, r ² = 0.743, p < 0.001) as well as for the linearly related fatigue load was found. Specimens with BMD below 80 mg/cm³ only reached 45% of the cycles to failure and only 60% of the fatigue load compared to the specimens with adequate bone quality (BMD > 120 mg/cm³).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a close correlation between BMD and pedicle screw stability. If the BMD of the thoracolumbar spine is less than 80 mg/cm³, stability of pedicle screws might be insufficient and an additional stabilisation should be considered.

Trabecular Bone Score: A New DXA-Derived Measurement for Fracture Risk Assessment

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel method that assesses skeletal texture from spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images. TBS improves fracture-risk prediction beyond that provided by DXA bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors, and can be incorporated to the Word Health Organization Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX®) to enhance fracture prediction. There is insufficient evidence that TBS can be used to monitor treatment with bisphosphonates. TBS may be particularly helpful to assess fracture risk in diabetes. This article reviews technical and clinical aspects of TBS and its potential utility as a clinical tool to predict fracture risk.

Trabecular Bone Score and Incident Fragility Fracture Risk in Adults with Reduced Kidney Function

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Trabecular bone score is a gray-level textural measure obtained from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry lumbar spine images that provides information independent of areal bone mineral density. The association between trabecular bone score and incident fractures in adults with reduced kidney function and whether this association differs from that of adults with normal kidney function are unknown.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We included 1426 participants ages ≥40 years old (mean age of 67 years) in the community-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. We stratified participants at cohort entry (2005-2008) by eGFR (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 [n=199; 72.4% stage 3a, 25.1% stage 3b, and 2.5% stage 4] versus ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 [n=1227]). Trabecular bone score was obtained from lumbar spine (L1-L4) dual energy x-ray absorptiometry images, with a lower trabecular bone score representing worse bone structure. Over an average of 4.7 years follow-up (maximum follow-up of 5 years), we documented incident fragility (low-trauma) fracture events (excluding craniofacial, foot, and hand sites). We used a modified Kaplan-Meier estimator to determine the 5-year probability of fracture. Cox proportional hazard regression per SD lower trabecular bone score expressed the gradient of fracture risk.

RESULTS

Individuals with an eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 who had a trabecular bone score value below the median (<1.277) had a significantly higher 5-year fracture probability than those above the median (18.1% versus 6.2%; P=0.01). The association between trabecular bone score and fracture was independent of bone mineral density and other clinical risk factors in adults with reduced and normal kidney function (adjusted hazard ratio per SD lower trabecular bone score: eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.51; eGFR≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower lumbar spine trabecular bone score is independently associated with a higher fracture risk in adults with reduced kidney function. Additional study is needed to examine the association between trabecular bone score and fractures in individuals with diagnosed CKD-mineral and bone disorder.

Bone mineral density utilization in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Bone disease is a major cause for morbidity in multiple myeloma (MM), with the main focus concerning the manifestation as osteolytic lesions. Bone mineral loss is another reflection of myeloma bone involvement. Recently, osteoporosis has been omitted as a defining criterion for symptomatic disease in MM. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the use of bone mineral density (BMD) exams by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) among MM patients in a tertiary medical care centre. One-hundred seventy three patients were included. The T-scores of lumbar spine (LS), left femur neck (FN) and left total hip (TH) were obtained and analysed. The extent of osteolytic disease was categorized based on six bony areas. There was a strong correlation between spine and femur's T-scores (r = 0.56-0.61, p < 0.0001), although different sets of variables were correlated with LS and femur's T-scores. There was no correlation between BMD measurements and osteolytic disease extent. Patients with vertebral fracture(s) had significant lower T-scores of the spine in comparison to patients without vertebral fractures. Sixty-three patients (36.4% of the cohort) had follow-up DXA exam. In general, there was an increase in the LS T-scores, while femoral values decreased. However, in patients who achieved complete response (CR) and in those who retained CR during follow-up, femoral BMD increased as well. Because correlation between BMD and the extent of osteolytic lesions was not seen, our data support the recent exclusion of BMD assessment from the definition of symptomatic myeloma. Still, its use should be considered for evaluation of age- or therapy-related osteoporosis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Osteoporosis: Modern Paradigms for Last Century's Bones

The skeleton is a metabolically active organ undergoing continuously remodelling. With ageing and menopause the balance shifts to increased resorption, leading to a reduction in bone mineral density and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Bone mass accretion and bone metabolism are influenced by systemic hormones as well as genetic and lifestyle factors. The classic paradigm has described osteoporosis as being a “brittle bone” disease that occurs in post-menopausal, thin, Caucasian women with low calcium intakes and/or vitamin D insufficiency. However, a study of black women in Africa demonstrated that higher proportions of body fat did not protect bone health. Isoflavone interventions in Asian postmenopausal women have produced inconsistent bone health benefits, due in part to population heterogeneity in enteric bacterial metabolism of daidzein. A comparison of women and men in several Asian countries identified significant differences between countries in the rate of bone health decline, and a high incidence rate of osteoporosis in both sexes. These studies have revealed significant differences in genetic phenotypes, debunking long-held beliefs and leading to new paradigms in study design. Current studies are now being specifically designed to assess genotype differences between Caucasian, Asian, African, and other phenotypes, and exploring alternative methodology to measure bone architecture.

Trabecular bone score (TBS) as a new complementary approach for osteoporosis evaluation in clinical practice

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a recently-developed analytical tool that performs novel grey-level texture measurements on lumbar spine dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images, and thereby captures information relating to trabecular microarchitecture. In order for TBS to usefully add to bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors in osteoporosis risk stratification, it must be independently associated with fracture risk, readily obtainable, and ideally, present a risk which is amenable to osteoporosis treatment. This paper summarizes a review of the scientific literature performed by a Working Group of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. Low TBS is consistently associated with an increase in both prevalent and incident fractures that is partly independent of both clinical risk factors and areal BMD (aBMD) at the lumbar spine and proximal femur. More recently, TBS has been shown to have predictive value for fracture independent of fracture probabilities using the FRAX® algorithm. Although TBS changes with osteoporosis treatment, the magnitude is less than that of aBMD of the spine, and it is not clear how change in TBS relates to fracture risk reduction. TBS may also have a role in the assessment of fracture risk in some causes of secondary osteoporosis (e.g., diabetes, hyperparathyroidism and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis). In conclusion, there is a role for TBS in fracture risk assessment in combination with both aBMD and FRAX.