Spine bone texture assessed by trabecular bone score (TBS) predicts osteoporotic fractures in men: the Manitoba Bone Density Program

Bone microstructure and TBS in diabetes: what have we learned? A narrative review

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of fracture. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), the most reliable indicator of fracture risk in healthy adults, is low in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus but normal or high in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most trabecular and cortical parameters measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) are lower in type 1 diabetes and higher in type 2 diabetes, in parallel with aBMD. In contrast, lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) has been reported to be lower in women with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The discordance between improved bone microstructure and degraded TBS reflects the effect of central obesity (currently the subject of a revision to the TBS algorithm). Meanwhile, evidence supports use of TBS in conjunction with aBMD and/or FRAX for improved fracture prediction in patients with type T2D. This position paper, on behalf of the Bone and Diabetes Working Group of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, summarizes alterations in bone microarchitecture measured by HR-pQCT in diabetes. It also addresses the technical and clinical considerations of the trabecular bone score, particularly discussing the significance of this measurement in individuals with diabetes and the influence of abdominal fat.

Age-related trends in trabecular bone scores and bone mineral density in Chinese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) typically have an average or higher bone mineral density (BMD) but are at a significantly higher risk of fracture than patients without diabetes. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a textural index derived from pixel gray-level variations in lumbar spine DXA image, which has been introduced as an indirect measure of bone quality. This study aimed to discuss the trends and annual rates of change in BMD and TBS with age in Chinese men with T2DM and men without diabetes mellitus. Lumbar spine(LS) TBS was significantly lower in males with T2DM compared to men without diabetes(1.279 ± 0.117 vs. 1.299 ± 0.090, P = 0.005). However, TBS in men with T2DM peaked around age 60, which occurred later and was lower than the peak observed in men without diabetes, who reached their peak TBS around age 50 (1.294 ± 0.126 vs. 1.328 ± 0.088). Femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD in men with T2DM were not significantly different from those in men without diabetes. The results showed that both men with or without T2DM exhibited the lowest annual rates of change in TBS at 66-75 years of age, with values of -1.05%(P < 0.001) and - 0.90%(P < 0.001), respectively. Patients with great glycemic control demonstrated higher TBS and BMD. Men with T2DM have later and lower peak TBS and faster bone loss, suggesting that diabetes may negatively impact bone microarchitecture and mineralization.

Waist circumference, among metabolic syndrome components, predicts degraded trabecular bone score: a retrospective study of a female population from the 2005-2008 NHANES cohorts

Background

Osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are conditions associated with ageing and chronic inflammation; among MetS' components, visceral obesity has been correlated to low bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. However, data on an increased fracture risk in MetS are still contrasting. The trabecular bone score (TBS) is an indicator of bone quality and a potential predictive factor for fractures. We aim to explore the relationship between MetS components and TBS.

Methods

we analyzed data from 3962 women in the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 NHANES cohorts, for whom a valid TBS value was available. All analyses were adjusted for the principal risk factors of altered bone metabolism.

Results

An inverse significant association was observed between TBS and most of the MetS variables investigated, with the strongest correlation found with waist circumference (WC) (P <0.001). WC represented the major predictor of degraded TBS (P <0.001), in adjusted models considering age, 25(OH)Vitamin D, smoke and insulin resistance. Increased WC was significantly associated with the presence of bone fractures at the logistic regression analysis (P = 0.001) in all study participants and in the subgroup of women ≤50 years old after adjustment for potential confounders (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

This study, using a large sample of women, found a negative association of MetS on bone health, mainly driven by visceral obesity.

Clinical significance of trabecular bone score of DXA in hip fracture patients-comparative study between trochanteric fractures and neck fractures

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that the clinical efficacy of TBS (Trabecular Bone Score) of DXA in hip fracture patients. This study aimed to investigate the difference of TBS in trochanteric fractures and femoral neck fractures in hip fracture patients.

METHODS

Data were derived from the University affiliated hospital, the participants included 249 patients aged 60 years or older who were available of TBS prescribe by DXA. 89 femoral neck fracture patients and 160 trochanteric fractures were enrolled. Spine T- score, hip T- score (neck), hip T- score (total), lowest T- score in hip, L1-L4 TBS. TBS Z-score, L1-L4 BMD(g/cm²), L1-L4 BMD T-score, L1 TBS, L1 BMD(g/cm2), L1 BMD T-score, L2 TBS, L2 BMD(g/cm2), L2 BMD T-score, L3 TBS, L3 BMD(g/cm2), L3 BMD T-score, L4 TBS, L4 BMD(g/cm2), L4 BMD T-score, lowest TBS score, highest TBS score were analyzed.

RESULTS

Demographic data (age, sex, height, weight, BMI) and T-score of hip and spine in two groups showed no significant difference. TBS in spine in two groups revealed higher TBS in femoral neck fracture groups.

CONCLUSION

There is no difference of age, sex, and BMI in two groups. The T-score was not statistically significant in comparison of bone quality in hip fracture groups. The TBS in femoral neck fracture group is higher than trochanteric fractures. The TBS in spine can be more valuable than T-score of DXA for the proper evaluation of bone quality in the hip fracture patients.

Temporal declines in bone mineral density and trabecular bone score during androgen deprivation therapy

INTRODUCTION

The trabecular bone score (TBS) has emerged as a convenient measure for assessing the microstructure of trabecular bone in the second through fourth lumbar vertebrae (L2-4) and can be conducted concurrently with bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. This study was performed to evaluate changes in BMD and the TBS during ADT for prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who had prostate cancer without bone metastases at Kobe University Hospital were studied from March 2020 to December 2021. BMD and TBS were measured every 6 months from the start of treatment using Hologic Horizon devices (Hologic, Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA).

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were followed for 2 years. Significant declines in BMD (-3.8% for femoral neck, -4.2% for total hip, and -6.1% for lumbar spine) and TBS (-16.6%) were noted after 2 years of ADT. Correlation analyses revealed a weak correlation between lumbar spine BMD and TBS at ADT initiation, but this correlation strengthened after 2 years. The multiple regression analysis results suggested that the rate of BMD loss may be slower in patients with a preserved pretreatment TBS.

CONCLUSION

In patients without bone metastases undergoing ADT for prostate cancer, notable decreases were found in both BMD and TBS over a 2-year treatment period. Factors influencing the TBS decline remain unclear; however, patients with a lower pretreatment TBS exhibited a more rapid decline in BMD.

Bibliometric analysis of publications on trabecular bone score (TBS)

Purpose

Trabecular bone score (TBS), as a texture indicator of bone microarchitecture, predicts the risk of fracture. This study aims to explore the knowledge map of TBS.

Methods

We searched Scopus for "trabecular bone score" or "trabecular score" from the beginning to 2021. Our inclusion criteria were original articles and reviews that were related to TBS and our exclusion criteria were non-English articles, non-related to TBS, and document type other than original articles and reviews. and related documents were included for bibliometric analysis. Excel, VOS viewer, and Science of Science (Sci2) software were used for data synthesis.

Results

From 749 retrieved articles, 652 articles were included for analysis. These documents were cited 12,153 times and had an H-index of 56. The most productivity belonged to the USA (n = 130 documents), Switzerland (n = 101), and Italy (n = 67). "Osteoporosis International" (n = 80) had the highest participation in publishing. The research topics of interest were mainly related to the applicability of TBS for fracture risk assessment in chronic endocrine disorders such as osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus. Bursting analysis of the title and abstract revealed the initial focus of the discriminative power of TBS for osteoporotic fracture and the more recent focus on comparing bone mineral density (BMD) and TBS in a variety of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

The number of annual publications on TBS has increased, especially after 2016. These publications highlight the importance of in-depth knowledge of TBS in predicting fracture risk and also its strengths and limitations of treatment monitoring in different health conditions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01338-7.

Clinical Use of Trabecular Bone Score: The 2023 ISCD Official Positions

Osteoporosis can currently be diagnosed by applying the WHO classification to bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). However, skeletal factors other than BMD contribute to bone strength and fracture risk. Lumbar spine TBS, a grey-level texture measure which is derived from DXA images has been extensively studied, enhances fracture prediction independent of BMD and can be used to adjust fracture probability from FRAX® to improve risk stratification. The purpose of this International Society for Clinical Densitometry task force was to review the existing evidence and develop recommendations to assist clinicians regarding when and how to perform, report and utilize TBS. Our review concluded that TBS is most likely to alter clinical management in patients aged ≥ 40 years who are close to the pharmacologic intervention threshold by FRAX. The TBS value from L1-L4 vertebral levels, without vertebral exclusions, should be used to calculate adjusted FRAX probabilities. L1-L4 vertebral levels can be used in the presence of degenerative changes and lumbar compression fractures. It is recommended not to report TBS if extreme structural or pathological artifacts are present. Monitoring and reporting TBS change is unlikely to be helpful with the current version of the TBS algorithm. The next version of TBS software will include an adjustment based upon directly measured tissue thickness. This is expected to improve performance and address some of the technical factors that affect the current algorithm which may require modifications to these Official Positions as experience is acquired with this new algorithm.

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool Probability and Trabecular Bone Score Mediate the Relationship between Sphingosine 1-phosphate Levels and Fracture Risk

BACKGROUND

The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) concentration is a potential biomarker of osteoporotic fracture and is associated with both the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) probability and trabecular bone score (TBS), which are well-known predictors of fracture. We sought to estimate the effect of the S1P concentration on fracture risk using the FRAX probability and TBS as mediators.

METHODS

Plasma S1P concentrations, FRAX variables, and TBSs were measured in 66 postmenopausal women with fractures and 273 postmenopausal women without fractures. Associations between S1P concentration, FRAX probability, TBS, and fracture risk were analyzed using correlation, logistic regression, and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

Subjects in the highest S1P concentration tertile had a higher fracture risk (odds ratio [OR], 5.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22-11.67) than those in the lowest S1P concentration tertile before adjustment. Subjects in the highest FRAX probability tertile had a higher fracture risk (OR, 14.59; 95% CI, 5.01-42.53) than those in the lowest FRAX probability tertile before adjustment. Subjects in the lowest TBS tertile had a higher fracture risk (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 2.28-9.93) than those in the highest TBS tertile before adjustment. After adjustment for FRAX probability and TBS, the highest S1P concentration tertile was still associated with a higher fracture risk (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.28-7.66). The FRAX probability and TBS accounted for 32.6% and 21.7%, respectively, of the relationship between the S1P concentration and fracture risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between the circulating S1P concentration and fracture risk was partly mediated by the FRAX probability, bone microarchitecture, and other factors.

Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS): A New Option in the Assessment Bone Status in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

This study aimed to estimate the utility of the Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS) approach in the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). In 41 subjects (40.5 ± 18.7 years) with OI and in 36 healthy controls, we measured BMD at the lumbar spine (LS-BMD), femoral neck (FN-BMD) and total hip (TH-BMD), employing a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry tool. Additionally, REMS scans were also performed at the lumbar and femoral sites. The presence and number of reported fractures were assessed in the study population. Patients characterized by a history of fragility fractures represented 84.5% of the study population. OI subjects showed significantly reduced BMD values both at the level of the lumbar spine and the femoral subregions (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls when performed using both the DXA and the REMS method. Dividing OI patients on the basis of the Sillence classification, no differences were found between the LS-BMD values carried out using the DXA technique between the OI type I group and OI Type III and IV groups. On the contrary, the OI Type III and IV groups presented significantly lower values of both Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and LS-BMD through REMS with respect to OI type I patients (p < 0.05). Based on the data of this study, it is possible to conclude that even the new REMS assessment, which does not use ionizing radiation, represents an excellent method for studying the bone status in subjects affected by OI.

Update on the clinical use of trabecular bone score (TBS) in the management of osteoporosis: results of an expert group meeting organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO), and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) under the auspices of WHO Collaborating Center for Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging

PURPOSE

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a grey-level textural measurement acquired from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lumbar spine images and is a validated index of bone microarchitecture. In 2015, a Working Group of the European Society on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) published a review of the TBS literature, concluding that TBS predicts hip and major osteoporotic fracture, at least partly independent of bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical risk factors. It was also concluded that TBS is potentially amenable to change as a result of pharmacological therapy. Further evidence on the utility of TBS has since accumulated in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and the introduction of FRAX and BMD T-score adjustment for TBS has accelerated adoption. This position paper therefore presents a review of the updated scientific literature and provides expert consensus statements and corresponding operational guidelines for the use of TBS.

METHODS

An Expert Working Group was convened by the ESCEO and a systematic review of the evidence undertaken, with defined search strategies for four key topics with respect to the potential use of TBS: (1) fracture prediction in men and women; (2) initiating and monitoring treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis; (3) fracture prediction in secondary osteoporosis; and (4) treatment monitoring in secondary osteoporosis. Statements to guide the clinical use of TBS were derived from the review and graded by consensus using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

A total of 96 articles were reviewed and included data on the use of TBS for fracture prediction in men and women, from over 20 countries. The updated evidence shows that TBS enhances fracture risk prediction in both primary and secondary osteoporosis, and can, when taken with BMD and clinical risk factors, inform treatment initiation and the choice of antiosteoporosis treatment. Evidence also indicates that TBS provides useful adjunctive information in monitoring treatment with long-term denosumab and anabolic agents. All expert consensus statements were voted as strongly recommended.

CONCLUSION

The addition of TBS assessment to FRAX and/or BMD enhances fracture risk prediction in primary and secondary osteoporosis, adding useful information for treatment decision-making and monitoring. The expert consensus statements provided in this paper can be used to guide the integration of TBS in clinical practice for the assessment and management of osteoporosis. An example of an operational approach is provided in the appendix. This position paper presents an up-to-date review of the evidence base, synthesised through expert consensus statements, which informs the implementation of Trabecular Bone Score in clinical practice.

Relationship between trabecular bone score, bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

BACKGROUND

In patients with axial spondyloarthritis, vertebral fracture risk is elevated and not always correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). Trabecular bone score (TBS) may offer some advantages in the assessment of vertebral fracture risk in these patients. The primary objective of this study was to compare TBS and BMD between axial spondyloarthritis patients depending on their vertebral fracture status. Secondary objectives were to estimate the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures, and to explore factors associated with fracture, as well as the interference of syndesmophytes on BMD and TBS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected on demographic and clinical characteristics, lab results, imaging findings and treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.13 statistical software.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (60 men and 24 women; mean age of 59 years) were included. Nearly half (47.6%) of them had lumbar syndesmophytes. The rate of morphometric fracture was 11.9%. TBS showed a higher area under the curve (0.89) than total hip, femoral neck and lumbar BMD (0.80, 0.78, and 0.70 respectively) for classifying patients regarding their fracture status. Nonetheless, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Syndesmophytes affected lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.001), but not hip BMD or TBS. Fractures were associated with TBS, total hip BMD, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified decreased TBS and total hip BMD, as well as increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels as factors associated with morphometric vertebral fractures. Unlike lumbar spine BMD, TBS is not affected by the presence of syndesmophytes.

Comparison of Trabecular Bone Score-Adjusted Fracture Risk Assessment (TBS-FRAX) and FRAX Tools for Identification of High Fracture Risk among Taiwanese Adults Aged 50 to 90 Years with or without Prediabetes and Diabetes

Background and Objectives: The burden of osteoporosis is projected to increase. Identification and prompt intervention for osteoporotic fractures are important. Adjusting the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX®) tool with trabecular bone score (TBS) could improve risk prediction. However, little is known about whether TBS-adjusted FRAX® would change the proportion of individuals qualified for osteoporosis intervention. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the proportions of Taiwanese adults who qualified for intervention, according to the FRAX® and TBS-adjusted FRAX®, with stratification by sex, age group, and glucose regulation status. Materials and Methods: A medical record review on adults 50−90 years who had undergone a general health examination in a regional hospital in Taiwan was conducted. FRAX® and TBS-adjusted FRAX® were calculated. FRAX® cut-points of ≥ 20% for major osteoporotic fracture and ≥3% for hip fracture were adopted to identify individuals qualified for osteoporosis intervention. Individuals were classified as prediabetes and diabetes if their HbA1c was 5.7−6.4% and >6.4%, respectively. Results: A total of 8098 individuals with a mean age of 61.0 years were included. The proportion of men qualified for intervention for hip fracture was significantly lower according to TBS-adjusted FRAX® (17.2%) compared with FRAX® (20.7%) (p < 0.001), with a similar pattern across all three age groups and in those with prediabetes. In contrast, the proportion of women qualified for intervention for major osteoporotic fracture was significantly higher according to TBS-adjusted FRAX® (4.6%) compared with FRAX® (3.7%) (p < 0.001), particularly among those with prediabetes 60−69 years. Conclusions: TBS-adjusted FRAX® led to small but significant changes in the proportions of individuals qualified for intervention in specific age groups and glucose regulation status.

Update on trabecular bone score

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is an indirect and noninvasive measure of bone quality. A low TBS indicates degraded bone microarchitecture, predicts osteoporotic fracture, and is partially independent of clinical risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD). There is substantial evidence supporting the use of TBS to assess vertebral, hip, and major osteoporotic fracture risk in postmenopausal women, as well as to assess hip and major osteoporotic fracture risk in men aged > 50 years. TBS complements BMD information and can be used to adjust the FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) score to improve risk stratification. While TBS should not be used to monitor antiresorptive therapy, it may be potentially useful for monitoring anabolic therapy. There is also a growing body of evidence indicating that TBS is particularly useful as an adjunct to BMD for fracture risk assessment in conditions associated with increased fracture risk, such as type-2 diabetes, chronic corticosteroid excess, and other conditions wherein BMD readings are often misleading. The interference of abdominal soft tissue thickness (STT) on TBS should also be considered when interpreting these findings because image noise can impact TBS evaluation. A new TBS software version based on an algorithm that accounts for STT rather than BMI seems to correct this technical limitation and is under development. In this paper, we review the current state of TBS, its technical aspects, and its evolving role in the assessment and management of several clinical conditions.

Management of osteoporosis in patients with chronic kidney disease

Patients with CKD have a 4-fivefold higher rate of fractures. The incidence of fractures increases with deterioration of kidney function. The process of skeletal changes in CKD patients is characterized by compromised bone strength because of deterioration of bone quantity and/or quality. The fractures lead to a deleterious effect on the quality of life and higher mortality in patients with CKD. The pathogenesis of bone loss and fracture is complex and multi-factorial. Renal osteodystrophy, uremic milieu, drugs, and systemic diseases that lead to renal failure all contribute to bone damage in CKD patients. There is no consensus on the optimal diagnostic method of compromised bone assessment in patients with CKD. Bone quantity and mass can be assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Bone quality on the other side can be assessed by non-invasive methods such as trabecular bone score (TBS), high-resolution bone imaging methods, and invasive bone biopsy. Bone turnover markers can reflect bone remodeling, but some of them are retained by kidneys. Understanding the mechanism of bone loss is pivotal in preventing fracture in patients with CKD. Several non-pharmacological and therapeutic interventions have been reported to improve bone health. Controlling laboratory abnormalities of CKD-MBD is crucial. Anti-resorptive therapies are effective in improving BMD and reducing fracture risk, but there are uncertainties about safety and efficacy especially in advanced CKD patients. Accepting the prevalent of low bone turnover in patients with advanced CKD, the osteo-anabolics are possibly promising. Parathyroidectomy should be considered a last resort for intractable cases of renal hyperparathyroidism. There is a wide unacceptable gap in osteoporosis management in patients with CKD. This article is focusing on the updated management of CKD-MBD and osteoporosis in CKD patients. Chronic kidney disease deteriorates bone quality and quantity. The mechanism of bone loss mainly determines pharmacological treatment. DXA and QCT provide information about bone quantity, but assessing bone quality, by TBS, high-resolution bone imaging, invasive bone biopsy, and bone turnover markers, can guide us about the mechanism of bone loss.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TBS SCORE, BONE DENSITY AND FRACTURES IN OLDER MEN: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Population ageing is an inexorable truth. This is the reason for an increase in the number of studies analyzing common pathologies, such as osteoporosis, in older people. Osteoporosis is a disease resulting from bone fragility, thus increasing the risk of fracture. Although the occurrence is predominant in women, studies analyzing the male population have raised interest among the scientific community. Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the best way to estimate the risk of fracture. Bone density testing and TBS (trabecular bone score) assessments are alternatives available for diagnosing. To assess the relationship between bone mineral density, the changes in TBS and fractures in older men. We conducted an integrative review of the literature in the LILACS, Scopus and PubMed databases, searching for studies in the last five years. We found 97 studies, and five of these matched our guiding question. We found five articles that matched our selecting criteria. All five presented the importance of using TBS for a better accuracy in improving the estimate of risk of fracture in older men. The association of TBS with bone density is important to best estimate the risk of fracture in elder men. Level of Evidence II, Diagnostic Studies.

Evaluation of Quality and Bone Microstructure Alterations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Bone fragility is a common complication in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, traditional techniques for the evaluation of bone fragility, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), do not perform well in this population. Moreover, the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) usually underestimates fracture risk in T2DM. Importantly, novel technologies for the assessment of one microarchitecture in patients with T2DM, such as the trabecular bone score (TBS), high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and microindentation, are emerging. Furthermore, different serum and urine bone biomarkers may also be useful for the evaluation of bone quality in T2DM. Hence, in this article, we summarize the limitations of conventional tools for the evaluation of bone fragility and review the current evidence on novel approaches for the assessment of quality and bone microstructure alterations in patients with T2DM.

Age-Related Changes in Trabecular Bone Score and Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Men: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

Purpose

This study was designed to explore age-related changes in trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone mineral density (BMD) in Chinese men through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

Patients and Methods

We included adult men who had at least twice TBS and BMD examinations in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2020. All men were divided into an age subgroup per 10 years, comparing differences in baseline lumbar spine (LS) TBS and BMD at various parts between each age group and analyzing age-related changes in TBS and BMD during follow-up.

Results

Baseline data showed that in men aged 36 to 85 years, BMD in the hip region showed a decreasing trend with age (P for trend < 0.01). However, TBS reached a high value around the age of 50, after which it decreased with age (P for trend = 0.03). During a mean follow-up of 3 years, the average annual change rate at TBS was −0.17% in men aged 36 to 85 years, with the fastest decrease rate −1.08% at 66 to 75 years (P < 0.05). The mean annual rate of change in LS BMD in different age subgroups increased with age (P for trend = 0.001). There was no significant decrease in mean annual change in BMD in hip regions.

Conclusion

In men aged 36~85 years, the trend of TBS was inconsistent with BMD. Men experience a high value of LS TBS around age 50, later than the commonly believed age of peak BMD, which may reflect developmental differences between bone microstructure and bone minerals. The TBS may be used as a better indicator of changes in bone strength than BMD in adult men at short-term follow-up. The rapid loss of TBS at age 66 to 75 may have implications for the prevention and medication of osteoporosis in men.

Usefulness of the Trabecular Bone Score in Assessing the Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Patients with Cirrhosis

The trabecular bone score (TBS), a surrogate measure of bone microarchitecture, provides complementary information to bone mineral density (BMD) in the assessment of osteoporotic fracture risk. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether TBS can identify patients with liver cirrhosis that are at risk of vertebral fractures. We enrolled 275 patients who completed evaluations for lumbar BMD, TBS, and vertebral fractures between November 2018 and April 2021. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), TBS was calculated by analyzing DXA images using TBS iNsight software, and vertebral fractures were evaluated using Genant’s semi-quantitative method with lateral X-ray images. Factors associated with vertebral fractures and their correlation with the TBS were identified using regression models. Of the enrolled patients, 128 (47%) were female, the mean age was 72 years, and 62 (23%) were diagnosed with vertebral fractures. The prevalence of vertebral fractures was higher in women than in men (33% vs. 14%; p < 0.001). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of the vertebral fractures for one standard deviation decrease in TBS and BMD was 2.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69−2.73) and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.26−1.90), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMD, the adjusted OR of the vertebral fractures in TBS was 2.26 (95% CI, 1.52−3.35). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that TBS was independently correlated with age (β = −0.211), body mass index (β = −0.251), and BMD (β = 0.583). TBS can help identify patients with cirrhosis at risk of vertebral fractures.

Bone Mineral Density Compared to Trabecular Bone Score in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) have reduced bone mineral density (BMD) according to dual X-ray absorptiometry at cortical sites, with relative sparing of trabecular BMD. However, fracture risk is increased at all sites. Trabecular bone score (TBS) may more accurately describe their bone quality and fracture risk. This study compared how BMD and TBS describe bone quality in PHPT. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component, of adults with PHPT, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Australia over ten years. The primary outcome was the TBS at the lumbar spine, compared to BMD, to describe bone quality and predict fractures. Secondary outcomes compared changes in TBS after parathyroidectomy. Of 68 included individuals, the mean age was 65.3 years, and 79% were female. Mean ± SD T-scores were −1.51 ± 1.63 at lumbar spine and mean TBS was 1.19 ± 0.12. Only 20.6% of individuals had lumbar spine BMD indicative of osteoporosis, while 57.4% of TBS were ≤1.20, indicating degraded architecture. There was a trend towards improved fracture prediction using TBS compared to BMD which did not reach statistical significance. Comparison of 15 individuals following parathyroidectomy showed no improvement in TBS.

MRI-based Texture Analysis of Trabecular Bone for Opportunistic Screening of Skeletal Fragility

CONTEXT

Many individuals at high risk for osteoporosis and fragility fracture are never screened by traditional methods. Opportunistic use of imaging obtained for other clinical purposes is required to foster identification of these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate texture features as a measure of bone fragility, by comparing clinically acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from individuals with and without a history of fragility fracture.

METHODS

This study retrospectively investigated 100 subjects who had lumbar spine MRI performed at our institution. Cases (n = 50) were postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and a confirmed history of fragility fracture. Controls (n = 50) were age- and race-matched postmenopausal women with no known fracture history. Trabecular bone from the lumbar vertebrae was segmented to create regions of interest within which a gray level co-occurrence matrix was used to quantify the distribution and spatial organization of voxel intensity. Heterogeneity in the trabecular bone texture was assessed by several features, including contrast (variability), entropy (disorder), and angular second moment (homogeneity).

RESULTS

Texture analysis revealed that trabecular bone was more heterogeneous in fracture patients. Specifically, fracture patients had greater texture variability (+76% contrast; P = 0.005), greater disorder (+10% entropy; P = 0.005), and less homogeneity (-50% angular second moment; P = 0.005) compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI-based textural analysis of trabecular bone discriminated between patients with known osteoporotic fractures and controls. Further investigation is required to validate this promising methodology, which could greatly expand the number of patients screened for skeletal fragility.

Effect of compression fracture on trabecular bone score at lumbar spine

Bone mineral density (BMD) may be increased due to vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Our study showed trabecular bone scores (TBS) was less affected than BMD by fractured vertebrae. The TBS of most compression fractures, including old and recent VCF with mild or moderate deformity and old VCF with severe deformity, could still be used in predicting fracture risk.

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular bone score (TBS), a noninvasive tool estimating bone microarchitecture, provides complementary information to lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Lumbar spine BMD might be increased due to both degenerative disease and vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Lumbar spine TBS has been confirmed not influenced by osteoarthrosis, but the effects of VCF are still not been well evaluated. This study aimed to investigate whether lumbar spine TBS was affected by fractured vertebrae.

METHODS

We studied postmenopausal women and men above 50 years old who underwent DXA between January 1, 2017, and May 31, 2019. By calculating the difference of BMD and TBS between L1 and the mean of L2-3, the study compared the difference of values between the control group and fracture group to determine the effects of fractured vertebrae on BMD and TBS.

RESULTS

A total of 377 participants were enrolled with 202 in the control group (157 females; age: 68.06 ± 6.47 years) and 175 in the fracture group (147 females; age: 71.71 ± 9.44 years). The mean BMD of the L1 vertebrae in the fracture group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the mean differences of TBS between L1 and the means of L2-3 vertebrae in the control group and the most compression fractures, including old and recent VCF with mild or moderate deformity and old VCF with severe deformity.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar spine TBS, unlike BMD, is less affected by fractured vertebrae. The TBS of most compression fractures, including old and recent VCF with mild or moderate deformity and old VCF with severe deformity, could still be used in predicting fracture risk.

Bone health assessment via digital wrist tomosynthesis in the mammography setting

Bone fractures attributable to osteoporosis are a significant problem. Though preventative treatment options are available for individuals who are at risk of a fracture, a substantial number of these individuals are not identified due to lack of adherence to bone screening recommendations. The issue is further complicated as standard diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on bone mineral density (BMD) derived from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which, while helpful in identifying many at risk, is limited in fully predicting risk of fracture. It is reasonable to expect that bone screening would become more prevalent and efficacious if offered in coordination with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) exams, provided that osteoporosis can be assessed using a DBT modality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to explore the feasibility of using digital tomosynthesis imaging in a mammography setting. To this end, we measured density, cortical thickness and microstructural properties of the wrist bone, correlated these to reference measurements from microcomputed tomography and DXA, demonstrated the application in vivo in a small group of participants, and determined the repeatability of the measurements. We found that measurements from digital wrist tomosynthesis (DWT) imaging with a DBT scanner were highly repeatable ex vivo (error = 0.05%-9.62%) and in vivo (error = 0.06%-10.2%). In ex vivo trials, DWT derived BMDs were strongly correlated with reference measurements (R = 0.841-0.980), as were cortical thickness measured at lateral and medial cortices (R = 0.991 and R = 0.959, respectively) and the majority of microstructural measures (R = 0.736-0.991). The measurements were quick and tolerated by human patients with no discomfort, and appeared to be different between young and old participants in a preliminary comparison. In conclusion, DWT is feasible in a mammography setting, and informative on bone mass, cortical thickness, and microstructural qualities that are known to deteriorate in osteoporosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first application of DBT for imaging bone. Future clinical studies are needed to further establish the efficacy for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting risk of fragility fracture using DWT.

Advances in the Bone Health Assessment of Children

The last 2 decades have seen tremendous growth in understanding the clinical characteristics of various childhood bone disorders, their mechanisms and natural histories, and their responses to treatment. In this review, the authors describe advances in bone assessment techniques for children. In addition, they provide their skeletal site-specific applications, underscore the principles that are relevant to the biology of the growing child, show how these methods assist in the diagnosis and management of pediatric bone diseases, and highlight how these techniques have shed light on bone development and underlying disease mechanisms.

Effects of metabolic syndrome on bone health in older adults: the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program

Based on the clinical, BMD, and TBS data of 2380 participants aged ≥ 60 which was gathered during the BEH program, stage II, we showed that MetS was positively associated with BMD, while a negative or no association was observed between MetS and TBS depending on the sex and the adjustment model.

INTRODUCTION

The results of previous reports in regard to the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on bone health are not conclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the association between MetS with bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) as an indicator of bone quantity and quality, respectively.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, this study was carried out based on the data collected during the BEH Program, stage II. MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. BMD (at the lumbar spine and the hip) and lumbar spine TBS were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device.

RESULTS

The data of 2380 participants (women = 1228, men = 1152) aged ≥ 60 were analyzed. In the fully adjusted regression models (including BMI), significant associations between MetS and mean BMD were observed across all locations in men (P values ≤ 0.001) and in the lumbar spine in women (P value = 0.003). In addition, the prevalence of osteoporosis (based on BMD) was significantly lower in those with MetS than those without MetS in both sexes, even after full adjustments (women, OR = 0.707, P value = 0.013; men, OR = 0.563, P value = 0.001). In contrast, in age-adjusted regression analyses, the prevalence of degraded bone microarchitecture (TBS ≤ 1.2) was significantly increased in those with MetS than those without, irrespective of the participants' sex (P values < 0.05). The mean TBS was also negatively associated with MetS in women (β = - 0.075, P value = 0.007) but not in men (β = - 0.052, P value = 0.077), in age-adjusted regression models. However, after including BMI in the adjusted models, all significant associations between TBS values and MetS disappeared.

CONCLUSION

It seems that a positive association exists between MetS and BMD, while MetS is either not associated or negatively correlated with bone quality as measured by TBS.

Associations between bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, and body mass index in postmenopausal females

Objectives

Bone mineral density (BMD), as a gold standard determinant of osteoporosis, assesses only one of many characteristics contributing to the bone. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is applied to evaluate the microarchitecture of trabecular bone. A high body mass index (BMI) has been reported to have a positive correlation with BMD. However, the relation between BMI and TBS has remained unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to shed light on the associations between BMI, T-score, and TBS in postmenopausal women without a diagnosed underlying disease.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 1054 postmenopausal women were randomly recruited from the Department of Radiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Demographic characteristics and medical history of all subjects were collected from documents. TBS measurements for L1-L4 vertebrae were retrospectively performed by the TBS iNsight software using the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) from the same region of spine of the subjects. The analysis was done to detect the correlation between TBS and BMI.

Results

A statistically significant negative correlation was found between TBS and BMI in patients with osteoporosis and low bone mass. In patients with normal T-scores, BMI was not significantly correlated to TBS (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant positive association between T-score and BMI.

Conclusions

Although a higher BMI had a protective effect against osteoporosis, higher BMI was associated with a lower TBS in patients with an abnormal T-score. However, BMI did not have a significant effect on TBS in patients with normal T-scores.

Trabecular Bone Score Is a Useful Parameter for the Prediction of Vertebral Fractures in Patients With Polymyalgia Rheumatica

INTRODUCTION

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a benign rheumatic disorder, requires long-term glucocorticoid therapy, which could be associated with osteoporosis. In the present study, we compared bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS) and frequencies of vertebral fracture (VF) among patients with PMR or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and controls.

METHODS

Fifty-three postmenopausal women with PMR aged 50 yr or older were eligible for inclusion in this study. Subjects in RA (n = 106) and control (n = 106) groups were selected by propensity score matching with controlling age, body mass index and use of anti-osteoporotic agents.

RESULTS

The frequency of VF in patients with PMR (30.2%) was significantly higher than those in patients with RA (13.2 %) and controls (13.2%, p = 0.017). The mean TBS of patients with PMR (1.317 ± 0.092) was significantly lower than those of patients with RA (1.336 ± 0.089) and the controls (1.373 ± 0.073, p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis for VF in patients with PMR, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.759 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.601-0.918, p < 0.001) for TBS and 0.618 (95% CI = 0.442-0.795, p < 0.001) for L-spine BMD. The AUCs were 0.760 (95% CI = 0.630-0.891, p ≤ 0.001) and 0.767 (95% CI 0.627-0.907, p < 0.001) for femur neck and total hip BMD, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the factor associated with VF of patients with PMR as a lower TBS (Odds ratio: 0.000, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.754, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

TBS could be a supplementary tool for discriminating osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal patients with PMR.

[Evaluation of the trabecular bone score (TBS) in routine clinical care of patients with inflammatory rheumatic and non-inflammatory diseases : Correlation with conventional bone mineral density measurement and prevalence of vertebral fractures]

Hintergrund

Osteoporosebedingte Frakturen sind bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis (RA) häufig. Die Messung der Knochenmineraldichte (KDM) mit der Dual-Energie-Röntgenabsorptionsmessung (DXA) allein sagt das Frakturrisiko nur begrenzt voraus. Der Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) ist ein Surrogatmarker für die trabekuläre Mikroarchitektur des Knochens, der das Frakturrisiko unabhängig von der KDM vorhersagen kann.

Ziel

Ermittlung der Prävalenz von KDM, TBS und osteoporotisch bedingten Wirbelkörperbrüchen („vertebral fractures“ [VF]) bei Patienten mit RA im Vergleich zu Kontrollen mit nichtentzündlichen Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen (MSK).

Methoden

Die Daten von Patienten mit von Rheumatologen diagnostizierter RA und verfügbaren TBS- und DXA-Messungen, die in unserem Krankenhaus von 2006 bis 2014 erhoben wurden, wurden retrospektiv analysiert. Den RA-Patienten wurden Kontrollen mit nichtentzündlichen MSK zugeordnet. Eine „reduzierte Knochengesundheit“ wurde definiert als ein T‑Score <−1,0 und/oder ein TBS-Wert <−1,31. Statistische Vergleiche wurden mit dem Mann-Whitney- und dem Wilcoxon-Test durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 143 Patienten mit RA (Alter 72,1 ± 11,1 Jahre, 72 % weiblich) und 106 Kontrollen (Alter 69,6 ± 12,6 Jahre, 75 % weiblich) eingeschlossen. RA-Patienten hatten häufiger eine erniedrigte KDM (n = 102; 71,3 %) und einen erniedrigen TBS-Wert (n = 125; 87,4 %) als die Kontrollen (n = 63; 59,4 % und n = 79; 74,5 %, p = 0,049 und p = 0,009). RA-Patienten hatten mehr VF (n = 52, 36,4 %) als Kontrollen (n = 24, 22,6 %, p = 0,02). Insgesamt hatten 20 Patienten mit VF (26,3 %) eine normale Wirbelsäulen-KDM und 9 (11,8 %) auch eine normale Hüft-KDM. Bei Patienten mit VF war die Kombination eines niedrigen TBS bei normaler WS-KDM häufiger als ein normaler TBS bei niedriger WS-KDM (p = 0,008 für RA, p = 0,025 für Kontrollen).

Diskussion

VF treten bei Patienten mit normaler KDM auf. Bei Patienten mit VF wurde eine niedrige TBS bei normaler Wirbelsäulen-KDM häufiger gefunden als eine normale TBS bei niedriger Wirbelsäulen-KDM. Die Messung des TBS scheint für die Erkennung eines erhöhten Frakturrisikos bei RA-Patienten mit normaler WS-KDM nützlich zu sein.

Bone metabolism parameters and inactive matrix Gla protein in patients with obstructive sleep apnea†

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) parameters, trabecular bone score (TBS), bone turnover markers and inactive matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) between patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and healthy controls.

METHODS

This study enrolled 53 male patients diagnosed with OSA, and 50 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects. All participants underwent DXA imaging, TBS assessment and blood sampling for biochemical analysis of bone metabolism markers.

RESULTS

Mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score of OSA patients was 43.8 ± 18.8 events/h. OSA patients had significantly higher plasma dp-ucMGP levels in comparison to controls (512.7 ± 71.9 vs. 465.8 ± 50.9 pmol/L, p < 0.001). OSA and control group did not significantly differ regarding standard DXA results, while TBS values were significantly lower in the OSA group (1.24 ± 0.17 vs. 1.36 ± 0.15, p < 0.001). AHI score was a significant independent correlate of plasma dp-ucMGP levels (β ± SE, 1.461 ± 0.45, p = 0.002). In addition, TBS retained a significant relationship with dp-ucMGP values (β ± SE, -93.77 ± 38.1, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

dp-ucMGP levels are significantly higher in patients with OSA and correlate with disease severity. In addition, TBS values in OSA patients are lower in comparison with the control group and decrease with disease severity.

Trabecular bone score: a useful clinical tool for the evaluation of skeletal health in women of short stature

PURPOSE

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by DXA is underestimated in those with smaller bones and overestimated in those with larger bones. Trabecular bone score (TBS) predicts fracture risk, and is not influenced by bone size. The aim of this study was to evaluate TBS and BMD in women with short stature.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed DXA scans of all women aged 50-90 years with short stature (<144 cm) obtained in a single center, from 2006 to 2016. The comparison group comprised women >161 cm in height, matched for age and LS BMD, selected from the same database.

RESULTS

The study population included 342 women. The two groups were similar in age, and aBMD at the LS and total hip. Femoral neck aBMD was lower in cases than in taller women. In contrast, TBS was higher in women with short stature than in their taller counterparts (1.347 ± 0.102 vs. 1.250 ± 0.110; p < 0.001). Bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) and the LS TBS-adjusted BMD T-score were also significantly higher in shorter than in taller women. From the entire cohort, 121 women (67 cases) were osteoporotic by aBMD determinations. Among these subjects, TBS was also greater in cases (1.303 ± 0.103) than in women with standard height (1.190 ± 0.099; p < 0.001). Despite being considered osteoporotic, 36% of short women, but none of the taller ones, had a normal TBS.

CONCLUSIONS

TBS can be a useful adjunct to aBMD for assessing bone quality in short women, in whom aBMD measurement tends to read lower, and, thus could overestimate fracture risk.

Fracture prediction, imaging and screening in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is associated with increased fragility of bone and a subsequent increased risk of fracture. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is intimately linked with the imaging and quantification of bone and BMD. Scanning modalities, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or quantitative CT, have been developed and honed over the past half century to provide measures of BMD and bone microarchitecture for the purposes of clinical practice and research. Combined with fracture prediction tools such as Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) (which use a combination of clinical risk factors for fracture to provide a measure of risk), these elements have led to a paradigm shift in the ability to diagnose osteoporosis and predict individuals who are at risk of fragility fracture. Despite these developments, a treatment gap exists between individuals who are at risk of osteoporotic fracture and those who are receiving therapy. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of osteoporosis, the history of scanning modalities, fracture prediction tools and future directions, including the most recent developments in prediction of fractures.

European guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Guidance is provided in a European setting on the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal women at risk from fractures due to osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis published guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in 2013. This manuscript updates these in a European setting.

METHODS

Systematic reviews were updated.

RESULTS

The following areas are reviewed: the role of bone mineral density measurement for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk; general and pharmacological management of osteoporosis; monitoring of treatment; assessment of fracture risk; case-finding strategies; investigation of patients; health economics of treatment. The update includes new information on the evaluation of bone microstructure evaluation in facture risk assessment, the role of FRAX® and Fracture Liaison Services in secondary fracture prevention, long-term effects on fracture risk of dietary intakes, and increased fracture risk on stopping drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A platform is provided on which specific guidelines can be developed for national use.

Is trabecular bone score less affected by degenerative-changes at the spine than lumbar spine BMD?

It has been established that degenerative-changes at the spine elevate bone mineral density at the lumbar spine. This study in men reports that trabecular bone score may be less affected by spinal degenerative-changes.

PURPOSE

A recent tool for assessing trabecular microarchitecture at the lumbar spine, trabecular bone score (TBS), provides information about bone health complementary to lumbar spine areal BMD (here referred to as BMD). In men, mean BMD increases with increasing age due to degenerative-changes at the spine including osteophytes and aortic calcification. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TBS is similarly affected by the presence of degenerative-changes in men.

METHODS

This study included 728 men aged 40-90 years enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Lumbar spine DXA scans (Lunar Prodigy) were used to determine TBS retrospectively (TBS iNsight software, Version 2.2), and for identification of degenerative-changes. Using multivariable regression techniques, the relationships between TBS or BMD and degenerative-changes were assessed, further adjusting for age and weight. The difference between each of the two methods was examined through testing interactions between method, degenerative-changes and age.

RESULTS

Of 728 men, 439 (60.3%) were identified as having one or more degenerative-changes at the lumbar spine. Adjusted mean TBS was 1.219 (1.203-1.232) and 1.196 (1.179-1.212) for those with and without degenerative-changes, respectively. Adjusted mean BMD was 1.317 g/cm² (1.297-1.336) and 1.198 g/cm² (1.173-1.223) for those with and without degenerative-changes, respectively. Partial r² for degenerative-changes in the model for TBS was 0.076 and for BMD, 0.257 (both p < 0.05). The three-way interaction between method, degenerative-changes and age was significant (p = 0.05) indicating significant effect of artefacts on the standardised values, affected by age and method.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that TBS is less affected by degenerative-changes at the spine than is BMD. Thus, TBS may prove useful in the assessment of fracture risk in men with degenerative-changes at the spine.

VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) bone health ancillary study: clinical factors associated with trabecular bone score in women and men

We investigated the association of clinical variables with TBS at baseline in the bone health sub-cohort of the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL). Lower TBS was associated with female sex, aging, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², SSRI use, high alcohol intake, and presence of diabetes; there was a trend towards significance between lower TBS and history of fragility fractures.

INTRODUCTION

We investigated whether TBS differs by sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and other clinical variables.

METHODS

The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) is determining effects of vitamin D₃ and/or omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplements in reducing risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. In the VITAL: Effects on Bone Structure/Architecture ancillary study, effects of these interventions on bone will be investigated. Here, we examine the associations of clinical risk factors with TBS assessments at baseline in the bone health sub-cohort, comprised of 672 participants (369 men and 303 women), mean (± SD) age 63.5 ± 6.0 years; BMI ≤ 37 kg/m², no bisphosphonates within 2 years or other bone active medications within 1 year.

RESULTS

TBS was greater in men than women (1.311 vs. 1.278, P < 0.001) and lower with elevated BMIs (P < 0.001), higher age (P = 0.004), diabetes (P = 0.008), SSRI use (P = 0.044), and high alcohol intake (P = 0.009). There was a trend for history of fragility fractures (P = 0.072), and lower TBS. TBS did not vary when analyzed by race, smoking, history of falls, and multivitamin or caffeine use.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower TBS was associated with female sex, aging, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², SSRI use, alcohol use, and presence of diabetes; there was a trend between lower TBS and history of fragility fractures. TBS may be useful clinically to assess structural changes that may be associated with fractures among patients who are overweight or obese, those on SSRIs, or with diabetes. Ongoing follow-up studies will clarify the effects of supplemental vitamin D₃ and/or FA's on TBS and other bone health measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01747447.

Less strict intervention thresholds for the FRAX and TBS-adjusted FRAX predict clinical fractures in osteopenic postmenopausal women with no prior fractures

Little is known about the clinical relevance of treating post-menopausal women with no prior history of fragility fracture and bone mineral densities (BMD) within the osteopenic range. In recent years, in addition to BMD and FRAX fracture probability assessments, a surrogate measure of bone micro-architecture quality, called the trabecular bone score (TBS), has been proven to predict future fragility fractures independently of both BMD and the FRAX. In this retrospective analysis of a follow-up study, we compared three risk assessment instruments-the FRAX, the TBS, and a TBS-adjusted FRAX score-in their ability, to predict future fragility fractures over a minimum of five years of follow-up among post-menopausal osteopenic women with no prior fragility fractures. We also sought to determine if more- versus less-stringent criteria were better when stratifying patients into higher-risk patients warranting osteoporosis-targeted intervention versus lower-risk patients in whom intervention would usually be deemed unnecessary. Over a mean 5.2 years follow-up, 18 clinical fragility fractures were documented among 127 women in the age 50 years and older (mean age = 66.1). On multivariate analysis utilizing regression models and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, less-stringent criteria for the FRAX and TBS-adjusted FRAX were capable of predicting future fractures (with sensitivity/specificity of 83/31; 39/77 and 78/50% for TBS, FRAX and TBS-adjusted FRAX, respectively), while more-stringent criteria were incapable of doing so (with sensitivity/specificity of 56/60; 39/77 and 39/74 for TBS, FRAX and TBS-adjusted FRAX, respectively). Neither TBS threshold alone was a significant predictor of future fracture in our study. However, hazard ratio analysis revealed slight superiority of the TBS-adjusted FRAX over the FRAX alone (HR = 3.09 vs. 2.79). Adjusting the FRAX tool by incorporating the TBS may be useful to optimize the detection of post-menopausal osteopenic women with no prior fractures who warrant osteoporosis-targeted therapy.

Association of trabecular bone score (TBS) and prior fracture differs among minorities in NHANES 2005-2008

The study investigates the association of trabecular bone score (TBS) and fractures among minority populations. In NHANES 2005-2008, TBS was associated with history of fractures in Caucasian subjects but demonstrated somewhat weaker associations in African American and Mexican American women.

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular bone score (TBS), a textural analysis of the lumbar spine DXA image, predicts fractures well in Caucasian (CA) and Asian populations but is less well studied in African American (AA) and Mexican American (MA) subjects. It is not clear whether TBS is associated with or is predictive of fragility in these racial/ethnic groups.

METHODS

We analyzed data from subjects from NHANES 2005-2008 over the age of 40 who had TBS: 1178 CA, 467 AA, and 397 MA women and 1200 CA, 502 AA, and 386 MA men. TBS was categorized into normal, ≥ 1.310, partially degraded < 1.310, and > 1.230, or degraded, ≤ 1.230. History of fracture was assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among women, there was an increasing prevalence of fracture with worsening TBS category. However, when controlling for age, BMI, and low T-score, the association between TBS category and previous fracture was only significant in CA women (OR 1.49 per worsening category, 95% CI 1.20-1.85). In men, there was also an increase in the prevalence of fracture with worsening TBS category in all races/ethnicities. When controlling for age, BMI, and low T-score, the association between TBS category and previous fracture was only significant in CA men (OR 1.47 per worsening category, 95% CI 1.10-1.95), though analysis was somewhat limited by small fracture numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of fracture and TBS varies by race/ethnicity and gender with weaker association observed in AA and MA women. More research is needed to define the proper use of TBS for predicting fractures in minority groups.

Determinants of bone damage: An ex-vivo study on porcine vertebrae

Bone's resistance to fracture depends on several factors, such as bone mass, microarchitecture, and tissue material properties. The clinical assessment of bone strength is generally performed by Dual-X Ray Photon Absorptiometry (DXA), measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS). Although it is considered the major predictor of bone strength, BMD only accounts for about 70% of fragility fractures, while the remaining 30% could be described by bone "quality" impairment parameters, mainly related to tissue microarchitecture. The assessment of bone microarchitecture generally requires more invasive techniques, which are not applicable in routine clinical practice, or X-Ray based imaging techniques, requiring a longer post-processing. Another important aspect is the presence of local damage in the bony tissue that may also affect the prediction of bone strength and fracture risk. To provide a more comprehensive analysis of bone quality and quantity, and to assess the effect of damage, here we adopt a framework that includes clinical, morphological, and mechanical analyses, carried out by means of DXA, μCT and mechanical compressive testing, respectively. This study has been carried out on trabecular bones, taken from porcine trabecular vertebrae, for the similarity with human lumbar spine. This study confirms that no single method can provide a complete characterization of bone tissue, and the combination of complementary characterization techniques is required for an accurate and exhaustive description of bone status. BMD and TBS have shown to be complementary parameters to assess bone strength, the former assessing the bone quantity and resistance to damage, and the latter the bone quality and the presence of damage accumulation without being able to predict the risk of fracture.

Prediction of Fractures in Men Using Bone Microarchitectural Parameters Assessed by High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography-The Prospective STRAMBO Study

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) poorly identifies men at high fracture risk. Our aim was to assess prediction of fractures in men by bone microarchitectural measures. At baseline, 825 men aged 60 to 87 years had the assessment of bone microarchitecture at distal radius and distal tibia by high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT; XtremeCT-I, Scanco Medical, Brüttisellen, Switzerland). Bone strength was estimated by micro-finite element analysis. During the prospective 8-year follow-up, 105 men sustained fractures (59 vertebral fractures in 49 men and 70 nonvertebral fractures in 68 men). After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), prior falls, and fractures, most HR-pQCT measures at both skeletal sites predicted fractures. After further adjustment for aBMD, low distal radius trabecular number (Tb.N) was most strongly associated with higher fracture risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63 per SD, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-2.03, p < 0.001). In similar models, low Tb.N was associated with higher risk of major osteoporotic fracture (HR = 1.80 per SD, p < 0.001), vertebral fracture (HR = 1.78 per SD, p < 0.01) and nonvertebral fracture (HR = 1.46 per SD, p < 0.01). In comparison with the reference model (age, BMI, falls, fractures, aBMD), the adjustment for distal radius Tb.N increased the estimated fracture probability in men who sustained fractures versus those who did not have ones (difference = 4.1%, 95% CI 1.9-6.3%, p < 0.001). However, the adjustment for distal radius Tb.N did not increase the area under the curve (AUC, p = 0.37). Similar results were found for distal radius trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and connectivity density (Conn. D). They were predictive of all fracture types and increased the estimated fracture risk, but not AUC, in men who had incident fractures. Thus, poor distal radius trabecular microarchitecture is predictive of fracture after adjustment for age, BMI, falls, fractures, and aBMD. Although distal radius Tb.N, Conn. D, and Tb.Sp improve the discrimination between men who will or who will not have fracture, they do not provide clinically relevant improvement of fracture prediction in older men. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Vitamin D and Trabecular Bone Score in a Group of Young Lebanese Adults

The relationship between vitamin D and trabecular bone score (TBS) in young adults remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels and TBS in a healthy adult population. A total of 54 men and 61 women whose ages range from 18 to 35 participated in the present study. Participants with 25(OH)D insufficiency (between 21 and 29 ng/mL) were 55.7%, and those with 25(OH)D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) were 11.4%. TBS positively correlated with 25(OH)D in men (r = 0.393; p <0.05) and women (r = 0.324; p < 0.05). In both genders, TBS was significantly higher in 25(OH)D-sufficient participants (≥30 ng/mL). The present study provides evidence that vitamin D positively affects bone health and suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D status may be essential for optimal TBS values.

The challenges of diagnosing osteoporosis and the limitations of currently available tools

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was the first imaging tool widely utilized by clinicians to assess fracture risk, especially in postmenopausal women. The development of DXA nearly coincided with the availability of effective osteoporosis medications. Although osteoporosis in adults is diagnosed based on a T-score equal to or below − 2.5 SD, most individuals who sustain fragility fractures are above this arbitrary cutoff. This incongruity poses a challenge to clinicians to identify patients who may benefit from osteoporosis treatments. DXA scanners generate 2 dimensional images of complex 3 dimensional structures, and report bone density as the quotient of the bone mineral content divided by the bone area. An obvious pitfall of this method is that a larger bone will convey superior strength, but may in fact have the same bone density as a smaller bone. Other imaging modalities are available such as peripheral quantitative CT, but are largely research tools. Current osteoporosis medications increase bone density and reduce fracture risk but the mechanisms of these actions vary. Anti-resorptive medications (bisphosphonates and denosumab) primarily increase endocortical bone by bolstering mineralization of endosteal resorption pits and thereby increase cortical thickness and reduce cortical porosity. Anabolic medications (teriparatide and abaloparatide) increase the periosteal and endosteal perimeters without large changes in cortical thickness resulting in a larger more structurally sound bone. Because of the differences in the mechanisms of the various drugs, there are likely benefits of selecting a treatment based on a patient’s unique bone structure and pattern of bone loss. This review retreats to basic principles in order to advance clinical management of fragility fractures by examining how skeletal biomechanics, size, shape, and ultra-structural properties are the ultimate predictors of bone strength. Accurate measurement of these skeletal parameters through the development of better imaging scanners is critical to advancing fracture risk assessment and informing clinicians on the best treatment strategy. With this information, a “treat to target” approach could be employed to tailor current and future therapies to each patient’s unique skeletal characteristics.

2018 update of French recommendations on the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES

To update the 2012 recommendations on pharmacotherapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis, under the aegis of the Bone Task Force of the French Society for Rheumatology (SFR) and of the Osteoporosis Research and Information Group (GRIO), in collaboration with scientific societies (Collège national des généralistes enseignants, Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français, Fédération nationale des collèges de gynécologie médicale, Groupe d'étude de la ménopause et du vieillissement hormonal, Société française de chirurgie orthopédique, Société française d'endocrinologie, and Société française de gériatrie et de gérontologie).

METHODS

Updated recommendations were developed by a task force whose members represented the medical specialties involved in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The update was based on a literature review and developed using the method advocated by the French National Authority for Health (HAS).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The updated recommendations place strong emphasis on the treatment of women with severe fractures, in whom the use of osteoporosis medications is recommended. All the available osteoporosis medications are suitable in patients with severe fractures; zoledronic acid deserves preference as the fist-line drug after a hip fracture. In patients with or without non-severe fractures, the decision to use osteoporosis medications is based on bone mineral density values and in challenging cases, on probabilities supplied by prediction tools such as FRAX^®. All osteoporosis medications are suitable; raloxifene should be reserved for patients at low risk for peripheral fractures. The fracture risk should be reevaluated every 2 to 3 years to decide on the best follow-up treatment. These updated recommendations discuss the selection of first-line osteoporosis medications and treatment sequences.

Severity of Sacroiliitis and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate are Associated with a Low Trabecular Bone Score in Young Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective.

To examine factors related to a low trabecular bone score (TBS) and the association between TBS and vertebral fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

One hundred patients (all male, aged < 50 yrs) who fulfilled the modified New York criteria for the classification of AS were enrolled. The TBS and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical variables, inflammatory markers, and the presence of vertebral fractures were also assessed. Sacroiliitis grade and spinal structural damage were measured using the modified New York criteria and the Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (SASSS).

Results.

The mean TBS was 1.38 ± 0.13. The TBS showed a positive correlation with BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. TBS negatively correlated with SASSS, whereas BMD at the lumbar spine showed a positive correlation. A significant decrease in TBS values was observed in patients with spinal structural damage (p = 0.001). Univariate analysis identified disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), sacroiliitis grade, and SASSS as being associated with TBS. Multivariate analysis identified ESR and sacroiliitis grade as being independently associated with TBS (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Ten patients had morphometric vertebral fractures. The mean TBS was lower in patients with vertebral fractures than in age-matched patients without fractures (p = 0.028). Lower TBS predicted vertebral fractures (area under curve = 0.733, cutoff = 1.311).

Conclusion.

The TBS in young male patients with AS is associated with the ESR and severity of sacroiliitis. The TBS may be useful as a tool for assessing osteoporosis in AS.

Utility of trabecular bone score in the evaluation of osteoporosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a lumbar spine dual-energy absorptiometry texture index which provides information on skeletal quality partially independent of bone mineral density (BMD). A body of work has emerged demonstrating the relationship between TBS and fracture risk, with lower TBS values associated with increased risk for osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women and older men. TBS is derived from standard DXA images; however, the information provided by TBS is complementary to that provided by BMD. In this article, we review the current state of TBS and its evolving role in the assessment and management of osteoporosis, with particular emphasis on the literature of the previous year.

RECENT FINDINGS

TBS-adjusted The Fracture Risk Assessment tool (FRAX) probabilities enhance fracture risk prediction compared with conventional FRAX predictions. TBS has been found to better categorize fracture risk and assists in FRAX-based treatment decisions, particularly for patients close to an intervention threshold. However, change in lumbar spine TBS while undergoing antiresorptive treatment is not a useful indicator of antifracture effect.

SUMMARY

Lumbar spine TBS is a recently developed image-based software technique for skeletal assessment, complementary to conventional BMD, which has been shown to be clinically useful as a fracture risk prediction tool.

Maternal vitamin D and offspring trabecular bone score

No studies have explored the relationship with maternal vitamin D (25(OH)D) in pregnancy and offspring trabecular bone score (TBS). Our data suggest that maternal 25(OH)D in early pregnancy, but not late, may be associated with offspring TBS in boys. These data act as hypothesis-generating findings for confirmation in larger, longer-term studies.

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular bone score (TBS), a novel tool derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), reflects the microarchitecture of the vertebrae. It has been shown to predict fracture independent of standard DXA parameters in adult populations. Previously, we demonstrated that maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during pregnancy is associated with offspring bone mineral content at age 11 years. However, associations with TBS have not been explored, thus we aimed to determine associations between maternal 25(OH)D and offspring TBS.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Vitamin D in Pregnancy (VIP) study. Venous blood samples were taken at recruitment and at 28-32 weeks' gestation. Maternal 25(OH)D was measured by radioimmunoassay. Offspring (n = 195, n = 181 with complete measures) underwent spine DXA (GE Lunar), at age 11 years (median = 10.9 (IQR 10.9-11.4)). TBS was calculated using TBS iNsight software.

RESULTS

Offspring of mothers with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (≥50 nmol/L) at recruitment had a higher TBS (1.363 vs. 1.340, p = 0.04). In multivariable linear regression models, after adjustment for child relative lean mass, sex and pubertal stage, a 10 nmol/L increase in maternal 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.005 (95% CI 0.000, 0.010, p = 0.04) increase in TBS. However when stratified by sex (p for interaction = 0.16), the association was significant in boys, but not girls. There were no associations with TBS and maternal 25(OH)D at 28-32 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

We speculate that maternal 25(OH)D in early pregnancy may be associated with TBS in offspring at age 11 in boys. These hypothesis-generating findings warrant confirmation with larger interventional and long-term follow-up studies.

Hyperglycemia is associated with increased bone mineral density and decreased trabecular bone score in elderly Japanese men: The Fujiwara-kyo osteoporosis risk in men (FORMEN) study

PURPOSE

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased fracture risk despite having higher areal bone mineral density (aBMD). This study aimed to clarify the association between glycemic and insulin resistance status and bone microarchitecture, and whether pentosidine and bone turnover markers play any roles in the association.

METHODS

A total of 2012 community-dwelling men aged ≥65years completed baseline measurements of spine aBMD, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), osteocalcin, type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide, type I collagen C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoenzyme 5b, pentosidine, height and weight and an interview regarding past disease history. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. T2DM was defined as physician-diagnosed middle age or elderly-onset diabetes mellitus, or according to biochemical test results. To evaluate bone microarchitecture, trabecular bone score (TBS) was calculated at the same vertebrae as those used for aBMD measurement.

RESULTS

After excluding participants who had a disease history and/or were taking medications affecting bone metabolism, 1683 men (age, 72.9±5.2years) were analyzed. Men with T2DM had significantly higher aBMD compared to those without T2DM. There was no significant difference in TBS. However, FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR levels were significantly inversely correlated with TBS after adjusting for age, BMI and aBMD. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that glycemic indices (FPG and HbA1c) were significantly associated with increased aBMD and decreased TBS, and that HOMA-IR was associated only with TBS. These associations did not change after further adjusting for bone turnover makers and pentosidine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia and elevated insulin-resistance were associated with low TBS independently of bone turnover and pentosidine levels.

Trabecular bone score (TBS): Method and applications

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a texture index derived from standard lumbar spine dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images and provides information about the underlying bone independent of the bone mineral density (BMD). Several salient observations have emerged. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between TBS and fracture risk and have shown that lower TBS values are associated with increased risk for major osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women and older men, with this result being independent of BMD values and other clinical risk factors. Therefore, despite being derived from standard DXA images, the information contained in TBS is independent and complementary to the information provided by BMD and the FRAX® tool. A procedure to generate TBS-adjusted FRAX probabilities has become available with the resultant predicted fracture risks shown to be more accurate than the standard FRAX tool. With these developments, TBS has emerged as a clinical tool for improved fracture risk prediction and guiding decisions regarding treatment initiation, particularly for patients with FRAX probabilities around an intervention threshold. In this article, we review the development, validation, clinical application, and limitations of TBS.

Adjusting FRAX® on TBS for identification of subjects at high risk of fractures

The objective of this study was to compare the proportion of patients at high fracture risk according to FRAX® and FRAX® adjusted on TBS in patients hospitalized for a non vertebral fractures. Patients were selected from a Fracture Liaison Service FLS): clinical risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) and TBS were assessed at the time of the fracture. Without considering the current fracture, we calculated FRAX® and FRAX® adjusted on TBS (TBS-FRAX®), and compared the proportion of patients with a high risk for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF)>20% according to FRAX® and TBS-FRAX®, and the proportion of subjects who should be treated according to current guidelines. Four hundred and thirteen patients were included for a non vertebral fracture (84.5% women, mean age of 73.9±11.7years), Two hundred and eight patients (50.4%) had osteoporosis (T≤-2.5 at least one site) and the mean value of TBS was 1.206 (±0.111). The proportion of patients with a risk of MOF≥20% before the fracture was similar with FRAX® and TBS-FRAX® (24.7% vs 25.4%). The proportion of patients identified with a risk of MOF above the threshold value of therapeutic intervention was higher using TBS-FRAX® than FRAX® for the age categories of 60-70years (38.3% vs 30.9%, p=0.01) and 70-80years (31.2% vs. 26.6%, p=0.04). This study showed that the proportion of patients at high risk of fracture is similar using FRAX® and FRAX® adjusted on TBS in patients hospitalized for a non vertebral fracture in a FLS.