Bone mineral density reference ranges for Australian men : Geelong Osteoporosis Study

Summary : A large population-based random sample of Australian white men was used to provide normative bone mineral density (BMD) data at multiple anatomical sites. The femoral neck BMD data are very similar to those obtained in USA non-Hispanic white males participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III). The reference ranges will be suitable for similar populations.

Introduction : To provide normative BMD data for Australian men derived from a large population-based random sample.

Methods : An age-stratified random sample of men was recruited from the Australian electoral rolls (n = 1,467 aged 20–97 years). BMD was quantified at multiple sites using Lunar densitometers.

Results : Age-related differences in BMD were best predicted by linear relationships at the spine and hip and by quadratic functions at the whole body and forearm. At the spine, a small age-related increase in mean BMD was observed. Although in the subset with no spinal abnormalities, there was a decrease of 0.003 g/cm² per year from age 20. At the hip sites, mean BMD decreased at 0.001–0.006 g/cm² per year from age 20. At the forearm and whole body, BMD peaked at 41–47 years. Apart from a small difference in men greater than or equal to 80 years, the Australian femoral neck BMD data are not different to those obtained in USA non-Hispanic white males participating in NHANES III and were generally similar to those of large studies from Canada (CaMos) and Spain.

Conclusions : These data supply BMD reference ranges at multiple anatomical sites that will be applicable to white Australian men and similar populations such as USA non-Hispanic white men.