Prevalence of osteoporosis and its correlation with clinical variables in postmenopausal Iranian women with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A cross-sectional pilot study

Objectives: This pilot study explored the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and its correlation with clinical variables in postmenopausal Iranian women with degenerative lumbar spinal canal stenosis (DLSS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study of 40 postmenopausal women (50–65 years) with symptomatic DLSS. Disability was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). BMD of the lumbar spine and hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Correlations between BMD parameters and clinical variables were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Low BMD (T-score <−1.0) was found in 72.5% (osteoporosis: 25%; osteopenia: 47.5%). No statistically significant correlations were observed between BMD parameters and age, menopausal duration, or ODI (all > 0.05). However, the study was underpowered (35% power for r = 0.2), and confidence intervals were wide, precluding definitive conclusions. Conclusion: Low BMD affects nearly three-quarters of postmenopausal women with DLSS, exceeding population-based estimates. Despite the lack of significant correlations with age or functional status, clinicians should not rely on these variables to rule out osteoporosis. Routine DEXA screening is warranted in all such patients, regardless of age or disability level. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.