Analysis of the Effects of Adipose Tissue on the Absorptiometric Measurement of Bone Mineral Mass

Abstract

The effects of adipose tissue on the absorptiometric measurement of bone mineral mass has been estimated mathematically. The error caused by adipose tissue in the bone has been determined from a formula derived from the exponential equations describing the attenuation of mono-energetic x-rays. At the radius site, 6 cm from the proximal end, the accuracy error ranged from 1.5 to 5.5% at 27 kev, and from 2.5 to 8.5% at 60 kev. This accuracy error can be affected by calibration techniques. The imprecision due to adipose tissue in the bone was 1.2% at 27 kev, and 1.8% at 60 kev, and is independent of calibration techniques.