Sequential and population bone mineral measurement (BMM) using dual energy (spine) and single energy (femur and forearm) photon absorptiometry

The methods of BMM available in Newcastle will be described briefly. These are: (1) a commercial machine (NOVO) for dual energy, area scanning of the spine; (2) a machine built in Newcastle using fluorescent X-rays, primarily intended for measurement of the femur; (3) a commercial machine (NOVO) for single energy measurement of the forearm. The long term reproducibility for patient measurements will be discussed for all three methods including the impact of new software for the spine machine. The results of population studies of various groups of renal patients and osteoporotic patients will be presented. The results of sequential measurements at all three sites on a group of ostoeporotic patients, in which some have been treated with calcitonin, will be discussed. Initial studies on BMM of patients treated for primary biliary cirrhosis will be presented