Densitometry
Densitometry
Densitometry (pronunciation: den-si-'tä-mə-trē) is a quantitative method of measuring the density of a substance, particularly in the field of medical imaging. It is often used to assess bone density and diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis.
Etymology
The term "densitometry" is derived from the Latin word "densitas," meaning density, and the Greek word "metron," meaning measure.
Definition
Densitometry is a technique that measures the optical density in light-sensitive materials, such as photographic paper or photographic film, on a digital image bitmap. In medicine, it is used to measure bone mineral density and body composition, providing information about the bone's strength and the risk of fractures.
Procedure
The most common type of densitometry used in medicine is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA). This procedure involves a low-dose x-ray examination that measures the density of the bones at the spine, hip, and forearm. The results are compared to the normal values for a healthy young adult of the same sex and ethnicity to determine the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Related Terms
- Bone mineral density (BMD): The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, measured by densitometry.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA): A technique used to measure bone mineral density.
- Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, leading to an increased risk of fracture.
- Optical density: A measure of how much light is absorbed by a substance, often measured using densitometry.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Densitometry
- Wikipedia's article - Densitometry
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