Reliability of Singh Index with the Dual Photon Absorptiometry

Kim, Nam Hyun; Jeon, Chang Hoon; Huh, Kap Bum

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decrease of bone matrix, resulting in generally reduced bone mass, and the diagnosis and grading of progression are assessed by many methods. There are Singh Index as a simplest method, for grading the trabecular pattern of the femur in pelvis anteroposterior X-ray, and the recently developed Dual Photon Absorptiometry which measures the bone mineral contents in the lumbar spine(L2-L4), femur neck, Ward's triangle and trochanteric area. Study for correlation between the Singh index and bone mineral contents measurements by Dual Photon Absorptiometry was performed in 36 normal Korean persons and 35 persons with osteoporosis. The results and conclusion were as follows; 1. A significant difference in bone mineral density at each area was noted between the control group and osteoporosis group. 2. A significant difference in Singh Index at each area was noted between the control group and osteoporosis group. 3. Positive correlation was noted between the mineral density and Singh Index. 4. We think Singh Index is a useful method in the diagnosis and grading of progression of osteoporosis.