Röntgendensitometria

Röntgendensitometria, also known as X-ray densitometry, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to measure the density of tissues. Primarily employed in medical diagnostics, it utilizes X-rays to assess various physiological parameters, most notably bone mineral density. By passing X-rays through a specific area of the body and measuring the amount of radiation absorbed, the technique can quantify the mineral content within bone tissue. This is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like osteoporosis, where bone density is reduced, increasing the risk of fractures.

The most common application of röntgendensitometria is in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which uses two X-ray beams at different energy levels. This allows for better differentiation between bone tissue, soft tissue, and fat. DXA scans are typically performed on the lumbar spine, hip, or forearm. Beyond bone health, modified forms of densitometry can be used in other fields. For instance, in materials science, it can assess the density and uniformity of materials. In dentistry, it might be used to evaluate the density of tooth enamel or bone structure in the jaw. The interpretation of the results involves comparing the measured density to reference values for age, sex, and ethnicity.