[Microdensitometric method (MD method) of the second metacarpal bone]

In Japan, microdensitometric method of the second metacarpal bone was developed 9 years ago to determine the degree of bone atrophy. This noninvasive method has some disadvantages such as precision of measurement of bone on X-ray film and determination of appendicular cortical bone, but is able conveniently to measure the bone density of the whole Japanese. One of 7 parameters in MD method, sigma GS/D is most important to evaluate and to follow up the condition of atrophy of cortical bone. We should investigate further the scientific base of MD method, for available tools in treatment of osteoporosis.