Pediatric Bone Densitometry: Technical Issues

Equipment and software used for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was developed for adults. As use of the method grows in pediatrics, understanding technical issues is important for those performing and interpreting DXA studies in infants, children, and adolescents. Detection of very low bone mineral density requires alteration of automated scan techniques. Normal values based on chronologic age have been published. The Z score becomes the more meaningful statistic as opposed to the T score used in reporting adult DXA measurement of bone mineral density.