Computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry-based investigation on subchondral bone plate alterations in sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is an underappreciated source of back pain. Mineralization patterns of the sacroiliac (SIJ) subchondral bone plate (SCB) may reflect long-term adaptations to the loading of the joint. Mineralization densitograms of 27 SIJD patients and 39 controls, were obtained using CT osteoabsorptiometry. Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the SCB mineralization of superior, anterior and inferior regions on the iliac and sacral auricular surfaces were derived and statistically compared between SIJD-affected and control cohorts. Healthy controls showed higher HU values in the iliac; 868 ± 211 (superior), 825 ± 121 (anterior), 509 ± 114 (inferior), than in the sacral side; 541 ± 136 (superior), 618 ± 159 (anterior), 447 ± 91 (inferior), of all regions ( p