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Review
. 2004 Nov;15(11):847-54.
doi: 10.1007/s00198-004-1681-7. Epub 2004 Aug 21.

Fundamentals and pitfalls of bone densitometry using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Nelson B Watts  1
Affiliations
Review

Fundamentals and pitfalls of bone densitometry using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Nelson B Watts. Osteoporos Int. 2004 Nov.

Abstract

Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) with central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the current "gold standard" for diagnosing osteoporosis and for monitoring patients. Errors in demographic information, improper patient positioning, incorrect scan analysis, and mistakes in interpretation can all lead to a wrong clinical decision or action. This paper reviews the fundamentals of positioning, scan analysis, and interpretation for central DXA and highlights some of the common pitfalls that may lead to erroneous results.

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