[Evaluation of osteodensitometry].

Abstract

The progress made in recent years in the field of bone densitometry, particularly concerning dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, has resulted in the development of reliable techniques of bone mineral density measurement, especially for measurements in the lumbar spine on anteroposterior views and in the forearm. However, technical improvements are still necessary and concern the standardisation of equipment, measurements in the femur, on lateral views of the lumbar spine and on the whole body, and the definition of normal curves. The value of these measurements must be examined in the light of the epidemiological context of osteoporosis and its current and future cost to the community. They must be evaluated in relation to two pathological situations: osteoporosis and osteopenia. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by the development of fractures due to bone fragility. It is accompanied by a reduction in bone density and other abnormalities of bone architecture and metabolism, without any disturbance of mineralisation. It is responsible for pain, a functional handicap which alters the patient's quality of life. Osteopenia corresponds to an abnormally low bone density. It is accompanied by an increased risk of fractures. Although it remains asymptomatic, therapeutic intervention may nevertheless be justified. The threshold of therapeutic intervention depends on the degree of bone loss, the patient's age, other associated risk factors and the benefit-risk ratio of the drug used. In all forms of vertebral osteoporosis, the essential conditions for the diagnosis are a decreased vertebral bone density and deformation of a vertebral body.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)