Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Daily Clinical Practice

Abstract

There is a growing consensus on the indications for bone mass measurements in clinical practice. As bone mass measurements predict a patient’s risk of fracture, there is international agreement between experts that osteoporosis can be diagnosed on the basis of bone mass measurements, even in the absence of prevalent fractures and that bone mass measurements provide information that can affect the patient’s management. The choice of the appropriate measurement site(s) for the assessment of fracture risk may vary depending on specific medical circumstances of the patient and should in any given clinical circumstance be based on an understanding of the strength and limitations of the different techniques. Furthermore, bone mass data should be accompanied by a clinical interpretation.