title: When and how to use dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
abstract: Osteoporosis is treatable and preventable. Early diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and the use and availability of bone density testing to diagnose and monitor response to therapy have greatly improved the prognosis. The most important use of bone mass measurement is in risk assessment for future fractures to determine whether an intervention is to be used. For a change of one standard deviation of bone mineral density below the mean of young normal values, the risk of all fractures approximately doubles. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry technology and indications for bone density testing are reviewed and how to interpret and individualize this data for each patient is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Regional Osteoporosis Center of South Florida, USA.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ettinger
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors