Measurement of Bone Mineral Density in Daily Practice

Osteoporosis is associated with reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures. Bone mineral density should be measured to evaluate the risk of fractures and to initiate drug treatment. Current guidelines recommend Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for the assessment of bone mineral density. Based on the DXA T-Score, the risk of fractures can be assessed and the indication for an individual treatment regimen established. Additionally, the DXA technique offers the possibility to evaluate the bone structure using the Trabecular Bone Score and to quantify vertebral fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine by the Vertebral Fracture Assessment. Quantitative computed tomography and quantitative ultrasound are alternative techniques for the evaluation of bone mineral density. In due consideration of the S3 Guideline "Osteoporosis", bone mineral density measurement by DXA cannot be replaced by these alternative techniques, which should only be used in exceptional well-defined cases.