Vertebral morphometry studies using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

Vertebral fractures are one of the most common consequences of osteoporosis. They are usually diagnosed by visual interpretation of lateral radiographs of the lumbar and thoracic spine. Vertebral morphometry, based on measurements of the anterior, middle, and posterior heights of the vertebral bodies from T4 to L4, is a useful adjunct to the visual reading of radiographs. A new generation of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners offers software for acquiring lateral images of the spine and performing vertebral morphometry analysis. Advantages of DXA morphometry include straightforward and reproducible patient positioning, absence of geometrical distortion of the image, low radiation dose, digital acquisition, and simplified, semi-automated scan analysis. The widespread availability of such DXA systems should make the investigation of vertebral fractures more widely accessible.