Density parameters of bone tissue in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine according to the data of quantitative computer tomography for compression fractures of vertebral bodies in women with menopause of different type

The parameters of bone tissue density in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine have been studied by the method of quantitative computer tomography (QCT) using CT Siemens-AP XP with «OSTEOCT» program in the bodies of ThVIII-Lv vertebrae excluding the vertebrae with compression fractures. 80 investigation procedures were performed (20 procedures in the lower thoracic spine and 60 ones in the lumbar spine) in 60 female patients with compression fractures of vertebral bodies, who were in the period of normal, early and surgical menopause and subjected to the procedures of roentgenography and roentgen osteodensitometry before. The analysis of the data obtained demonstrates that QCT use has allowed to assess fairly the decrease of mineralization of vertebral bone tissue with the increase of patients' age and menopause duration. In cases of difficulties to interpret clinical data and roentgen densitometry measurements, QCT was a method of choice in the evaluation of the results obtained. The degree of mineralization of vertebrae in patients above the age of 50 years can differ significantly, and vertebrae can preserve their shape without exposing to compression within rather a large range of values of cancellous and compact tissue densities.