Peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the tibia: Pediatric reference values

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has been used in a number of pediatric studies. Reference data for children are primarily limited to the radius. The purpose of this study was to establish normal reference ranges for pQCT measurements of the tibia for children. A cross-sectional sample of healthy, white, non-Hispanic children aged 5-18 years (n = 416; 197 boys) was measured at the distal tibia metaphysis and diaphysis by pQCT to assess trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. Differences were determined between and within genders by height for bone geometry, density, and strength. Height-specific normal ranges were calculated, and gender-specific centile curves were generated. A positive, linear relationship was found between tibia cortical bone geometry and strength parameters and height (r(2) >= 0.58, p < 0.001), with mean values greater for boys than girls (p <= 0.05). Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density values were relatively stable, but greater in boys than girls independent of height or age (p <= 0.01). The reference data for pQCT analyses of the tibia provide additional information on bone size, geometry, and strength in children. pQCT technology provides an additional tool for the evaluation of bone health in young subjects.