bone densitometry


bone densitometry

The measurement of bone mass or density. The current methods—single-photon absorptiometry, dual-energy photon absorptiometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry—are based on tissue absorption of photons derived from either a radionuclide or an X-ray tube; the latter are more accurate with shorter scan time. Other techniques are based on ultrasonography.

bone densitometry

The measurement of bone mass or density; the current methods—single-photon absorptiometry, dual-energy photon absorptiometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, are based on tissue absorption of photons derived from either a radionuclide or an X-ray tube; the latter are more accurate with shorter scan time. See Osteoporosis.

bone min·er·al den·si·ty

(BMD) (bōn min'ĕr-al den'si-tē) Measurement of the amount of calcium in bone. Most methods for measuring BMD (also called bone densitometry) are fast, noninvasive, painless, and available on an outpatient basis. Bone densitometry can also be used to estimate a patient's risk of fracture. BMD methods involve taking dual energy x-rays (DEXA) or CT scans of bones in the spinal column, wrist, arm, or leg. These methods compare the numeric density of the bone (calculated from the image) with empiric (historical) databases of bone density to determine whether a patient has osteoporosis, and to what degree.
Synonym(s): bone densitometry.