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Published on: January 29, 2018
Noninvasive methods of bone-mass measurement
J P Sabatier1, G Guaydier-Souquieres
1Service de Biophysique Médicale, C.H.R.U., Caen, France.
Clinical Rheumatology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) are valuable for assessing osteoporosis risk by measuring vertebral bone mineral content, offering high precision and low radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Bone Densitometry
- Osteoporosis Research
Background:
- Noninvasive bone mass measurement is crucial for osteoporosis diagnosis.
- Common methods include single photon absorptiometry (SPA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), and DEXA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare noninvasive bone mass measurement techniques.
- To highlight the utility of spinal bone measurements for osteoporosis assessment.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of SPA, QCT, DPA, and DEXA for bone mineral content (BMC) measurement.
- Evaluation of precision, radiation exposure, and anatomical site utility for each method.
Main Results:
- SPA offers low cost and high precision but poor correlation between axial and appendicular sites.
- QCT can assess trabecular bone but involves higher radiation exposure.
- DPA and DEXA provide precise lumbar and femoral neck measurements with low radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
- Vertebral bone measurement, especially with DPA and DEXA, is valuable for osteoporosis risk assessment.
- DEXA offers shorter scan times, lower radiation, and higher precision compared to DPA.
