Osteoporosis and the role of imaging in its evaluation

Osteoporosis has been recognised as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population due to the increased risk of fractures. Imaging modalities can recognise the presence of osteoporosis thus alerting the clinician. Detection of complications which exist may also be noted. However there is increasing reliance on imaging modalities which quantify the severity of osteoporosis. Such densitometric studies can conveniently group patients and provide a rational guide to the introduction of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.