Metcarpal index phalanx versus dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in osteoporosis

Abstract EN

Objective : osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic diseases.

It is responsible for considerable morbidity, mortality and costs.

Our aim was to evaluate metacarpal index as a diagnostic tool for bone mass measurement as compared with DEXA.

Methodology : the study included 50 males above 60 years of age with a history of osteoporotic fractures as well as 20 apparently healthy males.

Their ages ranged from 20-25 years.

Results : metacarpals index had sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 95 % positive predictive value 96 %, negative predictive value 41 % in comparison to DEXA.

Conclusion : metacarpals index can be used as a routine test for exclusion of osteoporosis.