Bone densitometry based on quantitative CT using a low dose special purpose scanner

It was only within the last few years that the enormous progress in the field of microcomputers enabled the authors to present a mineral measurement device, i.e. a low-dose computed tomography scanner operated by a microcomputer. They have been able to create a system that exceeds any other presently available method in precision and which is more cost-efficient in comparison to others. The scanner has been designed specifically for measurements of the forearm. The simple tomographic imaging method which was developed will be compared with quantitative computed tomography. The hardware system of the microcomputer for data processing and scanner operation was assembled from commercially available units. The software was developed by the authors. In a comparative study predictive values for axial mineralization from peripheral measurement were obtained and evidence of peripheral measurement was proven. (orig./MG)