Osteoporosis, bone & mineral

Side-to-side differences in hip bone mineral density and associated morphological factors

Osteoporos IntPublished Prospective cross-sectional study

Authors' conclusion

A considerable proportion of older adults exhibited clinically relevant side-to-side differences in hip BMD.

Study context

Population
Adults (median age 75 years) without a history of lower extremity disorders
Participants
82 adults
Outcome
Side-to-side percentage difference in total hip BMD (QCT)
Methodological detailsQuantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based, deep learning bone mineral density (BMD) calculation, multivariate analysis
  • QCT-based
  • Deep learning BMD calculation
  • Multivariate analysis

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Side-to-side difference in total hip BMD (QCT)

Median side-to-side BMD difference (IQR 1.6%-5.8%)

3.0%

Participants with BMD difference exceeding 5%

26%

Increase in proportion with T-scores ≤ - 2.5 when bilateral data used

2%

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Proportion with T-scores ≤ - 2.5 using bilateral data

Increase in proportion with T-scores ≤ - 2.5 when bilateral data were used
2%

Morphological factors associated with BMD differences (multivariate analysis)

Greater differences in gluteal muscle volume and femoral anteversion independently associated with larger BMD differences
Side with smaller gluteal muscle volume and greater femoral anteversion exhibited lower BMD

Original publication

Side-to-side differences in hip bone mineral density and associated morphological factors. Osteoporos Int. Published 22 July 2026. doi:10.1007/s00198-026-08141-z

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