Background: Bone mineral density measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck may differ because these regions have different bone structures and may be affected differently by aging, metabolic factors, and degenerative changes. These differences may influence the diagnosis of osteoporosis and the assessment of fracture risk.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the metabolic and clinical factors associated with bone mineral density parameters measured by DXA. It will also evaluate lumbar spine-femoral neck T-score differences, bone mineral density discordance, fragility fractures, and FRAX fracture risk.
Method: This retrospective observational study will include adults aged 40 years and older who underwent DXA examination of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Existing hospital records, DXA results, laboratory findings, and clinical information will be reviewed. The study will examine lumbar vertebral and femoral neck T-scores, the T-score difference between these regions, and concordant or discordant bone mineral density categories. Available metabolic and clinical variables will be analyzed. Previous and newly recorded fragility fractures and FRAX risk estimates will also be evaluated. No new tests or interventions will be performed.
