To Evaluate the Utility of Singh Index as an Indicator of Osteoporosis and a Predictor of Fracture Neck Femur

Aim of the present study was to assess the utility of Singh Index as an inexpensive tool for the screening of osteoporosis and also to predict the future risk of fracture neck femur in a high risk population. The study also aimed to grade the degree of osteoporosis according to Singh index in a population of patients with fracture and compare with age and sex matched controls. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients both males and females with fracture neck femur were compared with controls. Antero posterior X ray was obtained with hip 15 degrees internally rotated and Singh index(SI) was graded from 1 to 6. A lower SI represents a more osteoporotic bone. Results: The SI in the patient group was collectively significantly lower(p < 0.01) than in the age and sex matched control group. This statistical difference persisted when females and males were matched as a group among patients and controls. The SI of 2 was the commonest in the patient group whereas that in the controls was 6 and none of the controls had a SI of less than 3. When SI scores were compared amongst controls and patients in various age groups there was a statistical difference (p<0.05) and the patients had a lower SI grade. Thus through this study we have been able to establish SI as an inexpensive tool for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the high risk population and also as a possible predictor of future fracture in the population studied.