Computed Tomography Provides Improved Quantification of Trabecular Lumbar Spine Bone Loss Compared to <scp>Dual‐Energy X‐Ray</scp> Absorptiometry in Ovariectomized Sheep

ABSTRACT Early detection of osteoporosis using advanced imaging is imperative to the successful treatment and prevention high morbidity fractures in aging patients. In this preclinical study, we aimed compare dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) quantitative computed tomography (QCT) quantify bone mineral density (BMD) changes sheep lumbar spine. We also determine relationship BMD microarchitecture same animals as an estimate modality precision. Osteoporosis was induced 10 ewes via laparoscopic ovariectomy administration high‐dose corticosteroids. performed DXA QCT measure areal (aBMD) trabecular volumetric (Tb.vBMD)/cortical vBMD (Ct.vBMD), respectively, at baseline (before ovariectomy) 3, 6, 9, 12 months after ovariectomy. Iliac crest biopsies were collected each time point for micro‐computed (microCT) analysis; volume fraction (BV/TV), number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th), spacing (Tb.Sp) reported. aBMD Tb.vBMD both decreased significantly by 3 6 ( p &lt; 0.05) compared with baseline, whereas no Ct.vBMD observed. Combined (Tb. Ct.) correlated all points (all 0.05). Additionally, greater significant correlations found between BV/TV five R 2 = 0.54, 0.57, 0.66, 0.46, 0.56, respectively) than values 0.23, 0.55, 0.41, 0.20, 0.19, respectively). The higher correlation microCT indicates that provides additional detailed information regarding settings. Because susceptible rapid loss structural during osteoporosis, can capture these subtle more precisely a large animal model. © 2023 Authors. JBMR Plus published Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf American Society Bone Mineral Research.