Is a change from 0.853 to 0.820 g/cm² significant with LSC = 0.031 g/cm²?

• A. Yes, it is significant
• B. No, it is not significant
• C. It is relevant only if there are multiple scans
• D. It is significant if the change is more than 0.023 g/cm²

Answer: (B)

To determine whether the change from 0.853 to 0.820 g/cm² is significant, one must consider the Least Significant Change (LSC) metric. The LSC is a crucial statistical measure that indicates the minimum change in bone mineral density that can be considered statistically significant, accounting for inherent variability in measurements.

In this scenario, the change observed is from 0.853 to 0.820 g/cm², which is a decrease of 0.033 g/cm². When comparing this change to the LSC of 0.031 g/cm², the decrease is greater than the LSC value. However, the determination of significance includes not just whether the change exceeds the LSC, but the context in which the changes are analyzed. If the difference is smaller than the LSC, it indicates that the change could fall within the range of measurement variability and may not reflect a true physiological change.

Since the change of 0.033 g/cm² exceeds the LSC of 0.031 g/cm², this suggests that there is enough reason to believe that the change observed is not merely due to variability but rather indicates a real change. However, in the context of the options provided, stating that this change