Evaluation the ability of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis

Objective: This study was designed with an aim to evaluate the ability of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study DXA scan was utilized to examine the bone density for 30 participants. The statistical diagnostic test was used to detect sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of a DXA scan regarding to the findings of histological histomorphometric parameters in the obtained bone biopsies. Results: The DXA scan revealed a T-score = -2.5 SD in participants 12 (40%) diagnosed with osteoporosis while a T-score = -1 SD was detected in participants 10 (33.3%) diagnosed with osteopenia. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DXA T-score in diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia cases were (100%, 0% and 100%) and (91.67%, 0% and 90%), consequently. Conclusion: For the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis, DXA is sensitive and precise, however less productive than the histological histomorphometric technique for analysis with low explicitness.