title: [How to evaluate osteoporosis: bone densitometry and biochemical tests].
abstract: The use of bone densitometry, by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, allows the identification, at an early stage, of subjects who will, 15-20 years later, present a fracture event. Furthermore, this technique is the most appropriate to confirm the efficacy of preventive or curative therapeutic approaches of osteoporosis. A balanced utilisation of biochemical tests is mandatory to exclude a secondary cause of osteoporosis, to help in the choice of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy and to evaluate the early response of patients to the administered drugs.
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D015519:Bone Density; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis