Correlation of quantitative computed tomography derived bone density values with Hounsfield units of a contrast medium computed tomography in 98 thoraco-lumbar vertebral bodies.

Introduction: Vertebral fractures in patients with bone density reduction are often a major challenge for the surgeon, as reduced bone density can lead to screw loosening. Several options are available to determine bone density preoperatively. In our study, we investigated the correlation of Hounsfield units (HU) of a contrast medium computed tomography (CT) to the bone density values of a quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and computed a formula to estimate bone density values using HU.

Correlation of Bone Density Values of Quantitative Computed Tomography and Hounsfield Units Measured in Native Computed Tomography in 902 Vertebral Bodies.

Objective: Due to the increasing age of patients, the evaluation of bone density is crucial, especially in preparation for spinal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine bone density using a computed tomography (CT) and to correlate Hounsfield units (HU) with bone density values of a quantitative computed tomography (QCT).

Methods: The study is a monocentric, retrospective data analysis.