Results of bone mineral density assessment in patients, determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, resulting in decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Early assessment of BMD is essential for identifying skeletal abnormalities and supporting clinical decision-making. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a widely used, non-invasive method for evaluating BMD at clinically relevant skeletal sites. Aim: To assess bone mineral density using DXA and describe the corresponding T-score and Z-score measurements in adult patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted from June to October 2026 at the Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Mongolia–Japan Hospital, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Eight patients aged 18 years or older without fractures were included. According to the study records, participants were selected using a random sampling method. Demographic characteristics, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and DXA measurements were recorded. BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), T-scores, and Z-scores were assessed at the lumbar spine, hip, and forearm. Continuous variables were summarized as means and standard deviations, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of eight patients were included, comprising five males (62.5%) and three females (37.5%). The mean age was 52.65±7.95 years, and the mean BMI was 31.59±6.32 kg/m2. The mean lumbar spine (L1–L4) T-score was 0.35±1.49, and the mean Z-score was 0.97± .36. The lowest reported mean T-score was observed at the left forearm (−1.29±4.34), followed by the right forearm (−1.25±3.87). Measurements were also recorded at the left and right hip regions. The findings were descriptive and were not intended to establish population-level prevalence. Conclusions: The demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the eight patients included in the study were assessed. The mean age was 52.65±7.95 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.59±6.32 kg/m2. Of the participants, 5 (62.5%) were male and 3 (37.5%) were female. The mean BMI of the participants fell within the obesity category. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine, both hips, and both forearms. The results showed variations in BMD measurements across the different anatomical sites examined. An analysis of the T-scores and Z-scores for each measurement site revealed a mean T-score of 0.35±1.49 and a mean Z-score of 0.97±1.36 at the lumbar spine. At the left hip, the mean T-score was −0.63±1.29 and the mean Z-score was 0.34±1.52, while at the right hip, the mean T-score was −0.63±1.15 and the mean Z-score was 0.31±1.09. The mean T-scores of the forearm were comparatively lower, at −1.29± 4.34 on the left side and −1.25±3.87 on the right side.