Affiliations: [a] Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wiüzburg, Germany | [b] Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abt. Innere Medizin I, Universität Heidelberg, Luisenstrasse 5, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany | [c] Forschungsstelle für Gesundheitserziehung, Universität zu Köln, Gronewaldstrasse 2, 50931 Köln, Germany | [d] Stratec Medizintechnik GmbH, Erasmusstrasse 6, 75172 Pforzheim, Germany | [e] Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universität Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany | [f] Medizinische Klinik, Universität Würzburg, Iosef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding Author.
Abstract: The wide spread use of bone densitometers in Germany and other European countries has required the establishment of a validated reference population data base. A semi anthropomorphic forearm cross-calibration phantom (EFP), developed during a concerted research action of the European Union’s programme in Biomedical Engineering (COMAC-BME), was used to cross-calibrate the peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT) devices at four German centers participating in the multicenter study. In total, 723 women and 208 men were included in the normal data base. No significant regional differences were found between the data of the different centers. In addition to the manufacturers calibration standard, proper calibration of the pQCT devices could be monitored during collection of the normal female and male data base. As a merit of the COMAC-BME study the measurements obtained with all pQCT devices thus ensured an uniform reference data base for distal radius measurements in Germany.
Keywords: Osteoporosis, Bone densitometry, Peripheral quantitative computer tomography
