Short term precision of extended femur scans using DXA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Short-term precision study of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone density scanning of the extended femur scan for atypical femoral fracture in routine clinical population.
IRAS ID
259999
Contact name
Karen Knapp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is routinely used to diagnose osteoporosis (thinning bones). These calculations are made by the DXA scanner software on the computer used to run the scanner. We can also use this information to tell us how well osteoporosis treatments are working. When we compare scans it is important to be able to tell the difference between real changes in patients and those made by the measurement process itself. This is known as the reproducibility (precision) of scans and measurements. \n\nRecently a new feature was added to our existing scanning software that we use to measure bone density. This measures the femur (thigh bone) and we can take measurements of the thickness of the outside edge of the femur. Because this additional software is relatively new, we would like to test how reproducible these measurements are. \nTo test this, we would like to take a duplicate scan of the femur bones of 30 participants at the same time as their routine scan appointment. We can then compare the measurements to ensure the software is giving us very similar measurements each time. \nPatients >20 years attending the Grampian Osteoporosis Service at Ashgrove House, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, for DXA scan will be invited to participate. \nStandard clinical care involves a DXA scan comprising of each extended femur scanned individually, and lumbar spine, totalling 3 scans.\nEach study participant will receive standard clinical care, and also receive an additional scan of each extended femur, 2 additional scans.\nAppointment times are 30 minutes long and one visit only. There is no further follow up, except for routine clinical care.
Summary of Results
The results of this were reassuring that the no significant changes were found in the bone density between scans when using the new scanning software. This gives us confidence that the results we obtain from scanning are accurate and that the new software does not affect the end results of scans.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
19/NS/0183
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion