Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scan: A Neglected but Essential Investigation in Men

Sir, In July–December 2023 issue of the Journal of Marine Medical Society, Kumar et al.[1] explored the attributes of a large set of Indian males undergoing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at a tertiary care center. They found that DEXA scan elements of vertebra and hip revealed a significant positive association with body mass index (BMI) but a negative association with age. Moreover, 39% of the subjects with a BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 had a greater risk of osteoporosis (T ≤ −2) in comparison with 58.4% of those with a BMI <25 kg/m2.[1] Accordingly, they concluded that osteoporosis in Indian men is a neglected issue among physicians and surgeons, and awareness on that aspect needs to be intensified.[1] In our opinion, the following methodological limitation is relevant. It is obvious that bone mineral density (BMD) reference ranges are essential prerequisites to interpret BMD readings estimated by DEXA scan. Since bone mineral density reference ranges (BMDRRs) are determined by numerous factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and weight,[2] BMDRRs have been created for many communities to be referred to in clinical practice and research.[3,4] Interestingly, India constructed in 2021 the local BMDRRs for both genders.[5] In the study methodology, Kumar et al.[1] regrettably did not address which BMDRRs were utilized to interpret the estimated BMD readings. As a result, this limitation might disrupt the rightness of the study findings. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.