Bone densitometry has proven to be an effective clinical tool in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. There are several proven tools and techniques which may be used in order to establish therapy guidelines after determining the bone density of an individual. Bone measurement tests are simple, painless, and cost effective compared to the cost of damage associated with undiagnosed osteoporosis.
What is a Bone Densitometer?
A bone densitometer is a piece of equipment used to measure bone density. Depending upon the method of measurement this tool can use x-ray, ultrasound, or QCT measurements. Currently, using a bone densitometer is the only proven way to accurately measure bone mass and establish any risk of bone fracture. Utilizing other clinical data and risk factors for osteoporosis alone have proven to be inadequate in accurately assessing the long-term risk of fractures.
What Are the Different Methods of Measuring Bone Density?
There are currently three popular ways to measure bone density. The first type of bone densitometer utilizes a technique known as DEXA or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. This technique uses one of two methods of creating a dual energy spectrum from an x-ray source. The first method involves alternating pulses of low and high kV applied through an x-ray tube. These energy spectrums are then measured separately. The second option applies a constant potential to the x-ray source while using a K-edge filter to separate the energy spectrum into two energy bands.
The second option is quantitative computed tomography of the spine or QCT. Radiation exposure is greater in this test than any other technique. This method must be done following strict protocols and a laboratory setting. Plus, the tests must be done frequently in order to gather enough information about the patient’s bone density. As a result, a QCT test is often only available in research centers.
The final option is utilizing an ultrasound bone densitometer. Ultrasound measurements are normally performed at the calcaneus; however it can also be done at the heel in order to predict hip fractures. Some studies have noted that this method measures the quality of a bone while other studies suggest that mainly measures bone mass.
What Are the Benefits of an Ultrasound Bone Densitometer?
The first benefit of using an ultrasound bone densitometer is the complete lack of radiation used in the test. Both DEXA and QCT tests expose patients to levels of radiation, although QCT tests create a much higher level of exposure. Additionally, using an ultrasound bone densitometer makes it easier for medical professionals to stratify patients into specific risk groups based upon a T-score.
Along with providing accurate and economical results, and often overlooked benefit of using an ultrasound bone densitometer is convenience. Since it does not require any radiation or large machines, it is easy to move around and can be used in restricted spaces without sacrificing accuracy. As this technology continues to be developed it has proven to be more user-friendly which inherently decreases the risk of misinterpreting patient test data.
My name is Mable Hall, a professional freelance writer, like to introduce B M Tech Worldwide . Bone Densitometer has proven to be an effective clinical tool in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.
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