Advances in the diagnosis of osteoporosis

Bone densitometry allows for an assessment of osteoporotic fracture risk. Well-established methods include dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and single X-ray absorptiometry (SXA). The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. Promising innovative techniques include three new X-ray-based approaches: Lateral DXA and peripheral QCT for the determination of bone mineral density of the spine and radius, respectively, and morphometric X-ray absorptiometry (MXA) for computerized quantification of vertebral deformities. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR), on the other hand, open up new ways of assessing bone microarchitecture in addition to bone mineral density -without the use of ionizing radiation. These new approaches promise to yield new information on skeletal status. Complementing existing bone densitometry approaches, this may improve fracture risk assessment. (orig.)