[Evaluation of optimal measuring site and index by QDR4500A for postmenopausal bone loss]

As the function of most bone mineral measuring machine is limited, either by single photon absorptiometry (SPA), dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), speed of sound (SOS), or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), it is hard to evaluate the best place and index of postmenopausal bone loss at many positions by one machine at the same time. So we used QDR4500A, one of the best advanced DEXA which has a good repeatability, to search the best place and index for postmenopausal bone loss. The results showed that (1) bone mineral density (BMD) was better than bone mineral content (BMC) and Area to reflect this kind of bone loss; (2) lumber BMD was a better place than the forearm BMD, total spine BMD and other places; and (3) midlateral L3, 4 BMD was a best index for postmenopausal bone loss.