Evaluation of bone mineral density in patients with spinal cord injury

Background/Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) values in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and determine the effects of the level, severity, and duration of the neurological lesion and spasticity on BMD values. Methods: A total of 75 patients with traumatic SCI and a healthy control group of 39 people were included in the study. The BMD values of the lumbar. spine and 4 different regions of the hip (femoral neck, Ward's triangle, trochanter, and femoral shaft) of all cases were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The biochemical markers were also analyzed. Results: The BMD values in all measured regions were found to be decreased in patients compared with that of controls. The level and severity of the lesion and the spasticity did not significantly affect BMD values in the regions analyzed. The BMD values of the hip decreased as the duration of SCI increased. The levels of plasma phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, calcium in 24-hour urine samples, and the calcium/creatinine ratio in spot urines were found to be significantly higher in the patient group. Conclusion: All patients with SCI had lower BMD values than controls. The level and severity of SCI and spasticity did not significantly affect BMD values. The BMD values of the hip decreased as the duration of SCI increased.