Normative data for peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) bone parameters in Australian men

BACKGROUND: Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) can provide information complementary to dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), however, there is sparse normative data to enable meaningful clinical interpretation and comparison. This study aimed to develop age-stratified normative data for pQCT-derived bone parameters in Australian men. METHODS: Participants were men (n = 508, age 33-96 yr) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Bone parameters at 4% (n = 469) and 66% (n = 436) of radial length, and 4% (n = 449) and 66% (n = 438) of tibial length were acquired using pQCT (XCT 2000, Stratec Medizintechnik, Pforzheim, Germany). Best models of age, height and weight for each parameter were developed and where parameters exhibited variation with age, age decade mean (±SD) values were determined. Scatterplots were used to visualise the relationships between each of the parameters and age, height and weight. RESULTS: Thirteen parameters at tibial and radial sites were correlated with age, height and weight, allowing for their inclusion in multiple linear regression models. A positive association with age was found for total area of the tibia or radius (as appropriate) (mm(2)) at all sites, trabecular bone area (mm(2)) at 4% sites, and total bone area (both long bones) (mm(2)) at 66% sites. A negative association with age was found for cortical density (mg/cm(3)) and cortical thickness (mm) at both radial and tibial 66% sites, but total density (mg/cm(3)) at the 66% radial site and total cortical density of both long bones (mg/cm(3)) at the 66% tibial site only. CONCLUSION: This study presents normative data for pQCT-derived bone parameters and describes age related associations in a number of these variables. Broadly, parameters of bone area were positively associated with age, whereas parameters associated with bone density and structure were negatively associated with age. These data have the potential to be used in clinical settings when assessing age-related decline in bone health. MINI ABSTRACT: Normative data for pQCT parameters in Australian men are presented, adjusted for age, height and weight.