Bone Mineral Density of Lumbar Spine and Proximal Femur in Normal Thai Women
KHUNYING KOBCHITT LIMPAPHAYOM, M.D.*, UNNOP JAISAMRARN, M.D.*, SUKANY A CHAIKITTISILPA, M.D.*, CHEUN TAECHAMAHACHAI, M.D.*, YUPHA ONTHUAM**, PIROM KAMOLRATANAKUL, M.D.* NIMIT TAECHAKRAICHANA, M.D.*, SUVIT BUNYAVEJCHEVIN, M.D.*, MAKRUMKRONG POSHYACHINDA, M.D.*, PIYALUMPORN HAVANOND**, PISAKE LUMBIGANON, M.D.***,
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, ** Institute of Health Research, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, *** Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Objective : To find the reference data for age-specific normal bone mineral density in a
Thai female population.
Study design : Cross-sectional, Descriptive study.
Materials and Methods : 1773 Thai women aged between 11-80 years were recruited,
using multistage cluster sampling and stratifying from six represented provinces in the country.
each strata was randomly selected. After recruiting, the women were interviewed by well-trained
personnel using structured questionnaires. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine 1-4 and
nondominant hip were measured by Dual Energy Photon Absorptiometer. The scientists, X-rays
technician were trained and standardized inter and intra observers variation. Quality control of
examination was measured periodically. Every BMD outcome was re-examined by a specialist.
Results : The peak bone mineral density of both spines and hips was between the age
of 30 to 34 years old. Mean Value for spine and femoral neck was 0.957 and 0.814 g/cm 2
respectively. The BMD of spine and hip was significantly decreased after the age of 35 and the
loss was accelerated at age 50. Osteoporosis for spine and femoral neck is considered when BMD
are below 0.682 and 0.569 g/cm2 respectively.
Conclusion : The results are important data for public health policy, by maximizing bone
mass during skeletal growth before menopause and minimizing bone loss throughout life as well
as for detection of important risk factors.
Keywords : Bone Mineral Density, Normal Value
