| Objective To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of radiographic absorptiometry (RA), to establish phalanx BMD reference for peak, normal and osteoporosis in the Urumqi region, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Methods 4828 individuals without metabolic bone disease and previous application of steroids were recruited to this study. The Bone mineral density tests of the participants were carried out at the middle phalanx of the second to fourth fingers in non-dominant hand, using an American CompuMed OsteoGram-2000 bone sonometer. All of the participants were stratified by ethnicities, of which Han and Wei nationality accounted for a large proportion. Male and female subjects were further divided into 14 groups respectively on the basis of age, with interval of 5 years. Radiograph of non-dominants hands were firstly performed using Dao Jin XHD-150G 60 X-ray system, and the radiograph was taken twice. The images were then transferred and handled digitally through America Kodak CR850 system and easywork mini PACS and then tested or analyzed by American OsteoGram2000 bone sonometer (all of the diagnosis were based on digital image without film). Results Based on bone mineral density instrument’s osteoporosis diagnosis standard: among the 4828 patients, there were 1587 cases of bone quality decrease (T value between 1- 2.5), with 548 cases of men, accounted for 34.5% (548/1587), and 1039 cases of women, accounted for 65.5% (1039/1587). The diagnosis of osteoporosis (T value less than -2.5) was confirmed in 1452 cases. Among them, 384 cases of men, accounted for 26.4% (384/1452), and 1068 cases of women, accounting for 73.6% (1068/1452). The prevalence of osteoporosis in this region was 30.0%. The rate of bone loss started to rise in both males and females from 40 years of age, and the rate of bone loss increased with advanced age. Women over 44 years of age (average 44.2 ±2.6 years) began menopause, bone loss occurred quickly after menopause, accelerated 16-20 years after menopause, and slowed down 20 years after menopause. Male bone loss rate was significantly different from that of female (P< 0.01), and the prevalence rates of osteoporosis in females and males were significantly different (P< 0.01). Urumqi region females’ menopause age is proportional to bone loss (r = 0.9643, P< 0.9643), postmenopausal bone loss was steady 0 - 15 years after menopause, speeding up 16 - 20 after menopause, and slowdown 21 years after menopause, but bone loss still continued. Conclusion Using radiation absorptiometry in 4828 patients in Urumqi region to assess phalanx bone mineral density of non-dominant hand, our statistics and analyses effectively reflected the region's residents and the prevalence of osteoporosis, and are similar to that diagnosed using DXA and QCT in Urumqi area. However, this technology is of low radiation dose, fast scanning speed and low price, therefore is more suitable for basic-level hospitals for the clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis and the prediction of fracture risk. |