Relative Density of the Vertebral End-plates as an Estimate of Osteoporosis

The relative radiographic density of the end-plates of 28 vertebrae radiographed at various kilovoltages and in water layers of various depths was measured densitometrically. There was a significant correlation between the relative density of the end-plates and the mineral contents of the vertebrae, but the considerable residual variation caused by the radiographic method made exact grading of osteoporosis impossible. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed in advanced cases with the aid of the relative translucency of the end-plates of the thoracic vertebrae even using visual assessment provided that adequate radiographic technique is used.