Bone Quality and Metabolism Analysis

Individuals were subdivided into OP, Ope, and CTR groups by clinical and biochemical characterization of bone quality, quantity and metabolism. Scans of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femur (total and neck) were performed using Lunar DXA equipment (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI, USA), according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as reported previously [32 (link)]. In addition, 25-(OH)-VitD, PTH and calcium levels were measured from the venous blood of each patient. 25-(OH)-VitD and PTH levels were determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), while calcium levels were measured photometrically, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.