3D Imaging of the Hip Using DXA — 3DScans  

Osteoporosis Clinical Trial

Official title: Parameters Derived From DXA-based Structural Engineering Models of the Proximal Femur as a Biomarker for Hip Fracture Prediction.

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The study aims to determine the efficacy and best methods for predicting hip fractures and diagnosing post-menopausal osteoporosis using three dimensional structural engineering models (SEMs) of proximal femoral bone produced using a Hologic Discovery duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanner and Hologic's new 3D Hip(TM) software in comparison to three dimensional SEMs produced using quantitative computed tomography - the current gold standard.

Clinical Trial Description

Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have been available to the clinician for the past 20 years and their use forms the basis of current clinical practice guidelines. The measurements are very useful, but they could be improved upon by taking into account the third dimension of bone (depth) and the distribution of mineral within bone. The value of a diagnostic test depends greatly on the strength of association of the measurement with the outcome. If we find that our new approach strengthens the ability of hip DXA measurements to predict fracture then we will have a greatly improved diagnostic test and so can better identify those patients we should treat. Further, such a test would allow better evaluation of new therapies for osteoporosis, particularly those that may alter bone geometry, including anabolic agents such as teriparatide.

Patients attending for study visits will complete a basic questionnaire to collect information on their bone health and lifestyle (the current Metabolic Bone Centre standard questionnaire). Patients will also undergo DXA scans of their hips on a Hologic Discovery DXA machine using a new 3D imaging technique called '3D HipTM'. Hologic will process 3D HipTM scans and provide us with volumetric dataset of the scans before they provide us with a high performance PC and software for us to do the process on-site. They have already installed the software upgrade and necessary hardware to our Discovery densitometry system to enhance the 3D HipTM capability. Patients will attend for a CT scan of their hip at the medical imaging department of the Northern General Hosptial as per standard practice.

50 postmenopausal women who have recently suffered a hip fracture will be recruited to the study. 50 postmenopausal age matched controls will also be recruited. Subjects will give informed consent and a study visit will be arranged for them to attend for a DXA scan and a CT scan. At the study visit basic demographic data and a brief medical history will be collected on study specific Case Report Forms (CRF).

The intended outcomes of the study are 1) To establish the diagnostic accuracy for hip fracture of the 3D HipTM and SEMs derived from the 3D HipTM, and to determine how much better the 3D HipTM is over the traditional 2D DXA in a case controlled study. 2) To compare three dimensional SEMs of the proximal femur derived from 3D Hip(TM) against simulated SEMs derived using quantitative computed tomography. ;

Study Design

Observational Model: Case Control, Time Perspective: Prospective

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Low-energy Trauma Fracture
• Osteoporosis

• NCT number: NCT00666640
• Study type: Observational
• Source: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: May 2008
• Completion date: January 2012