Bao J, et al. - This study was undertaken to investigate the characteristics and reliability of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements in patients undergoing lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Researchers examined a sum of 1,041 patients aged ≥ 50 years undergoing lumbar fusion for LDD. They retrospectively examined BMDs and T-scores of DXA. In patients undergoing lumbar fusion for LDD, female, older age and low BMI are the risk factors for osteoporosis. The data reveal that lower lumbar segments, such as L3–L4, are more likely to have unreliable T-scores. The outcomes suggested that individuals with older age, higher BMI or degenerative scoliosis have more abnormal segments with unreliable T-scores. As per the findings, lumbar DXA measurements are not sensitive enough to distinguish individuals with vertebral fracture.