Forearm Bone Mineral Density of Normal Indian Population

Background and Objectives: Bone density measurements by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) recognized now as a safe and accurate technique[1] is being done frequently. But the T- score and Z-score values are interpreted using the reference value of Asian population provided by the manufacturer and not of Indian population. This may lead to improper diagnosis of Osteoporosis in Indian population. In this context we compared the young reference values and age-related values of bone density of the normal Indian population with the reference value of Asian population provided by the manufacturer. Methods: Through DEXA normal healthy individuals who were prospective renal donors were scanned. Results & Conclusion: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of distal radius and ulna, proximal radius and ulna, proximal radius of normal Indian female and BMD of proximal radius and ulna of male population are found to be less considering the reference value of Asian population provided by the manufacturer. Hence it may be inappropriate to use the reference value of Asian population provided by the manufacturer to calculate the T- score and Z-score in Indian population.