The radiological techniques available to measure bone mass and detect osteoporotic fracture include:

• Conventional X-rays of the skeleton
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
• Quantitative computed tomography (QCT)
• Measurement of the peripheral skeleton (away from the spine)
• Quantitative ultrasound

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The gold standard is DEXA to assess bone mineral density and diagnose osteoporosis. It must be remembered that a DEXA scan only determines the bone mineral density and does not provide any information regarding possible underlying diseases that may contribute to bone loss. Anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis on DEXA scan should be thoroughly assessed by a physician knowledgeable in the field of bone disease.

Conventional radiology for the detection of low bone mass is unreliable since between 30 and 40% of skeletal mass must be lost before osteoporosis can be detected on routine X-rays. The most important role of conventional radiology is the detection of existing fractures that in themselves increase the likelihood of further fractures in the osteoporotic patient.

National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa
PO Box 481
Bellville
7535

Tel. (021)-931 7894
 

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