röntgendensitometrian

Röntgendensitometria, also known as X-ray densitometry, is a medical imaging technique used to measure the density of bone tissue. It is primarily employed to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures. The most common form of röntgendensitometria is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). This method uses two different X-ray beams to differentiate between bone and soft tissue, providing a precise measurement of bone mineral density (BMD).

The procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick, typically taking about 10-15 minutes. The patient lies on a table while a scanning arm passes over the body. The most commonly scanned areas are the hip and the lumbar spine, as these are frequent sites of osteoporosis-related fractures. The results are usually reported as T-scores, which compare the patient's BMD to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex, and Z-scores, which compare it to individuals of the same age and sex.

Röntgendensitometria is a crucial tool for assessing fracture risk and guiding treatment decisions for osteoporosis. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis therapies over time. While the radiation dose from DXA is very low, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women. Other imaging techniques, like quantitative computed tomography (QCT), can also be used for bone density assessment but are less common due to higher radiation exposure and cost.