Professor Sang-Hoon Lee’s team at the Department of Rheumatology at Kyunghee University Hospital in Gangdong conducted a study on bone density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis through quantitative computerized tomography (QCT), a method of measuring bone density using CT.
Professor Sang-Hoon Lee’s team analyzed the bone density results of 47 male patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis using a quantitative computerized tomography (QCT) test. The correlation between the skeletal and flexural functions of the lumbar spine confirmed by radiographic imaging and bone density confirmed by QCT was confirmed. Among 47 patients, 30 (63.8%) had decreased bone density, and 14 (29.8%) of them had osteoporosis.
As a result of the study, it was confirmed that when a connection is formed by the conversion of the intervertebral ligament to the bone as the spine is stiffened, the mobility of the spine decreases, and these factors also affect the decrease in bone density. Low bone density had a significant correlation with the bone connection (the phenomenon that the vertebrae stick together and look like marijuana) caused by stiffening of the spine, and a significant correlation was also found with the flexion function of the spine (BASMI flexion score).
The association between bone loss and decreased bone density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is a well-known feature through several studies. However, the specific cause of osteoporosis in ankylosing spondylitis has not been precisely identified, and various theories have been proposed.
Professor Sang-Hoon Lee’s team confirmed through this study that as bone stiffness progresses, the bone density of the surrounding bone tissue decreases and the risk of fracture increases. Professor Lee explained, “In severe patients with spinal stiffness, the surrounding ligaments are ossified and hardened, but the vertebral body itself decreases bone density, so appropriate treatment is necessary.”
Professor Lee continued, “In general, bone density is checked through Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA),” said Professor Lee. Therefore, it is helpful to measure bone density through CT.” This paper was published in the international scientific journal PLOS ONE in March 2021. By Jang Jong-ho, reporter [email protected]