DUAL X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY (DXA): BASIC TECHNIQUES AND CLINICAL FACTS

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition of multifactorial etiology involving systemic skeleton characterized by decreased bone mass and deterioration of bony microarchitecture. The result is fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures, even after subtle trauma. Osteoporosis is a significant health problem and approximately 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis . An additional 33.6 million people have low bone density of the hip and are at risk for osteoporosis.