Bone mineral density measurements in otosclerosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

Objectives This study aims to evaluate patients with otosclerosis with respect to bone mineral density (BMD) at different regions of interest (ROI), using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Design Cross‐sectional controlled study. Setting Tertiary referral hospital. Participants The patients with a definite diagnosis of otosclerosis confirmed intra‐operatively were defined as the study group (n = 30). The control group consisted of volunteer, healthy subjects with normal hearing (n = 43). Main outcome measures Following an audiometric evaluation, a venous blood sample was obtained and a single BMD measurement using DXA was applied to each participant. Results The mean BMD, T and Z scores were higher in the otosclerosis group than in the control group in all the regions considered, but not significantly; only the L2‐L3 lateral BMD and its T and Z scores were significant (P = 0.036, P = 0.029 and P = 0.036, respectively). Conclusion This study shows that the BMD does not decrease in the presence of otosclerosis despite its genetic and metabolic relevance with osteoporosis. Concerning the L2‐L3 lateral BMD measurements, the BMD increased in otosclerosis.