Densitometry: what is this procedure, how is it done, interpretation of the results

The first is considered the most accurate indicator of the content of mineral salts in bone tissue.
The second is no less important, since its correlation with the risk of fractures is very high, so this index has great prognostic value. Interpretation of densitometry results may also contain one more parameter - volumetric mineral density of tissues, but it is used less and less. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to detect and often in order to obtain such a parameter it is necessary to use a special type of computed tomography and use quite expensive methods of data processing.

How to prepare for densitometry?

A bone study such as densitometry involves examining the distal part of the bone tissue, and then the epiphyses of the bones. To get the most reliable results, the patient must:

• one day before the diagnosis, refuse any calcium-containing food supplements and medications;
• notify the doctor about any procedures using contrast - densitometry cannot be performed for some time after them;
• do not move during the procedure and do not change the position of the body and limbs.

Now you know how to prepare for densitometry, and it becomes clear that no special preliminary procedures will be required.

Don’t put off your visit until tomorrow, when a breakthrough can happen today!

The sooner you do this, the greater your chances of maintaining the health of your skeleton, the more active your life will be even at an older age, and most likely it will be without pain and suffering.

What is needed to prevent osteoporosis?

• Systematically consume more foods containing calcium.
• Include in your daily diet foods containing essential amino acids (meat, fish, soy, legumes)
• Lead an active lifestyle: exercise daily, walk at least 10 km a week or at least 60 minutes a day
• Stay in the sun for at least 30 minutes a day (if there are no contraindications)
• Quitting bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, coffee)

Thus, in order to fight osteoporosis, you need to eat right, actively engage in physical exercise, often be in the sun, and provide your body with sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

Types of research

There are two types of such procedures: X-ray and ultrasound. Each of these methods is more effective when examining certain parts of the body. For example, ultrasound is used to determine problems in the heel bone, as it provides more information, and the x-ray method is advisable to use when it is necessary to examine the femoral neck or lumbar spine

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X-ray densitometry

If you have been prescribed such a procedure, it is worth finding out what densitometry is and how it is performed in order to understand what to be prepared for. This method is more informative, but it is also less gentle. You can undergo the study no more than once a year, but this may not be enough. However, the radiation dose will be small - much less than with a standard x-ray. This procedure will allow you to identify even minimal deviations in bone tissue and accurately determine its density based on exactly how the rays will pass through the bones. This method is also very informative when examining the wrists.

Ultrasound densitometry

If you do not know how bone densitometry is done using ultrasound, you should know that it is the safest and has no contraindications. It is even prescribed to pregnant and lactating women. This procedure is carried out using a special densitometer, the operation of which is based on the passage of ultrasound through the patient’s bones. The advantage is that such diagnostics can be carried out both to identify and control the disease as often as desired.

Who needs densitometry?

• all women over 45 years of age;
• athletes;
• patients with diseases accompanied by a decrease in bone mineral density, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease (nephritis) or liver disease (hepatitis);
• patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (adolescent or insulin-dependent);
• patients with thyroid diseases accompanied by a long-term increase in hormone levels;
• patients with diseases of the parathyroid glands;
• patients with indirect clinical or radiological signs suspicious for osteoporosis;
• patients taking long-term medications that cause loss of bone mineralization.
• patients with frequent fractures.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure rarely takes more than thirty minutes in the case of X-ray densitometry and fifteen in the case of ultrasound. All the patient needs to do is take a certain position on a special diagnostic table. A detector will be located above the area under study. If you don't know how bone densitometry is performed, it's worth knowing that the sensor can be moved over different areas of the patient's body. The level of transmission of rays through the body is measured and recorded by a special program, after which the data is subject to processing. Sometimes parts of the patient's body are fixed with special devices to reduce their mobility to zero, and the person is also asked to hold his breath to get the clearest possible image.

Inpatient study

It is important to learn what densitometry is, what the procedure is and what to expect from it before undergoing such an examination. You can undergo diagnostics in a doctor's office using a stationary device. It is a special table with sensors on which the patient needs to lie down.

Monoblock equipment

People often ask the question: “Densitometry: what is it, how is it done?” when they are prescribed such a study. Diagnostics can also be performed using portable equipment. However, this does not mean that the procedure can be performed outside a diagnostic center, since it involves x-rays. Using monoblock equipment, it is convenient to examine the bones of the phalanges of the fingers and heel.

What is densitometry, how is it carried out, x-ray examination, preparation for the procedure -MEDSI

Table of contents

• Principle and types of research
• Ultrasound examination
• X-ray examination
• Other types
• When is densitometry necessary?
• What contraindications exist?
• Preparation for the procedure
• How is densitometry performed?
• Decoding the analysis results
• Advantages of densitometry of teeth and other organs at MEDSI

Densitometry is a method for diagnosing the density and likelihood of bone fractures.
This test measures calcium levels, overall bone density and structure, and the thickness of the surface layer of bones. Thanks to this study, it is possible to identify osteoporosis at an early stage and begin its treatment in a timely manner. It also helps prevent calcium deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman, which is important for the proper development of the fetus.

Principle and types of research

Depending on what part of the body and under what conditions needs to be examined, different examination options can be used. It is possible not only to examine the bones of the pelvis, spine or limbs, but also to densitometry the teeth.

Ultrasound examination

The inspection device emits ultrasonic waves with a frequency greater than 3 MHz. In the process, the speed at which the wave travels through the bone tissue varies depending on its density.

All data on changes in this speed are recorded and then used for diagnostics and comparison with normal values.

This procedure is completely painless and harmless and is suitable during pregnancy or other restrictions related to the ban on radiation.

X-ray examination

This method is based on the use of x-ray radiation. It is retained in tissues with a dense mineralized structure.

The analysis can be used to examine the vertebral, lumbar and femoral spine, as well as the extremities: hands and feet.

This study is highly accurate and makes it possible to visualize the bone structure. It allows you to detect bone loss at an early stage.

The radiation dose that the body receives in this case is low, but is dangerous for pregnant women, since the rays can affect the normal development of the fetus.

Other types

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography can also be used to diagnose osteoporosis.

A separate area is densitometry of teeth using radiovisiography (computer x-ray). Studies have shown that this type of analysis makes it possible to study the degree of damage to the hard tissues of the tooth (dentin) by caries.

When is densitometry necessary?

The doctor prescribes this type of study for the following symptoms:

• Frequent bone fractures, especially the femurs
• Fractures, dislocations associated with the vertebral region
• Regular back pain, the causes of which are unknown
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver
• Diabetes

There are also a number of diseases for which densitometry is recommended:

• Metabolic disorders associated with the removal of calcium and phosphorus from the body
• Neurological diseases
• Long-term hormonal treatment
• Previously diagnosed osteoporosis
• Endocrine system disorders

For preventive purposes, different types (including dental densitometry) of this study are used in the following cases:

• Monitoring the bone density level of the female body during pregnancy
• Monitoring the presence of calcium and phosphorus in the body at the stage of formation of tubular bones in the fetus
• Monitoring the progress of osteoporosis treatment
• Preventive examination of the condition of bone tissue in people over forty years of age

What contraindications exist?

There are not many of them, and they are related to the nature of the type of densitometry used:

• If the patient is pregnant, X-ray examination should not be used.
• Pain or disturbances in the lumbar region, due to which the patient will not be able to lie still for at least half an hour

Preparation for the procedure

There are a number of simple steps that will help you prepare for densitometry:

• A few days before the test, you need to remove foods that contain a lot of calcium (such as cottage cheese) from your diet.
• It is also necessary to temporarily stop taking medications containing phosphorus and calcium - you should consult your doctor about this.

In case of existing limitations of the study, it is necessary to take into account their presence:

• The patient should notify the doctor about pregnancy. In this case, she will be prescribed an examination using ultrasound waves, since x-rays are harmful to the body that is still developing
• If you plan to conduct a magnetic resonance examination, you need to warn the doctor about the presence of metal implants, as they may distort the results. And if some of them are present, it is absolutely impossible to perform an MRI. In this case, the doctor will decide what type of test is best to prescribe.
• The doctor must also be notified if shortly before this study the patient underwent:
• Radioisotope scanning
• Computed tomography with contrast agent
• X-ray examination with barium

In all these cases, the physician must determine exactly when it is best to undergo the examination, so that due to previous tests there is no distortion of the results or excessive stress on the patient’s body.

All these rules apply to the procedure for dental densitometry.

How is densitometry performed?

For the examination, a special device is used - a densitometer. The process itself goes as follows:

• The subject's clothing should be loose so as not to interfere with the examination.
• The patient sits on a couch or table in a position that depends on the organ being examined (when scanning the spine - lying on his back, etc.)
• A sensor and detector are placed above the analyzed area
• The device moves along the studied area, during which data on reflected and absorbed waves is transmitted
• The procedure lasts up to half an hour, during which the patient must remain motionless
• All results are saved on the computer and can be used in the future

If one of the limbs (hands, feet) is being examined, then for this purpose it is placed in a special cavity of the device. In this case, the procedure lasts much less - only a few minutes.

Decoding the analysis results

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor receives two main types of data:

• T-score. Its value is derived from comparisons of bone density with a normal value of 1 point or more. If it is less than specified, then:
• Number from -1 to -2.5 – decrease in mineral density
• Below -2.5 – osteoporosis with a high probability of fractures

Advantages of densitometry of teeth and other organs at MEDSI

• Anyone can sign up for a consultation easily and simply: by calling 8 (495) 7-800-500
• More than 20 clinics in different parts of Moscow are always ready to receive patients
• Radiologists and diagnosticians of highly qualified categories provide a full range of services: prepare clients for examination, accompany the process and decipher data
• The use of modern high-quality equipment allows you to get the most accurate results and start treatment on time

Densitometric research methods

Densitometry can be carried out using different methods: ultrasound, x-ray or MRI. The principle of their operation is based on how the signal sent by the device changes when it reaches bone tissue. Depending on bone density, the speed of ultrasound propagation, the degree of absorption of X-ray radiation, or the response to the influence of a magnetic field changes.

The choice of method depends on which part of the body is being examined. Contraindications, if any, are also taken into account. For example, x-rays should not be performed on women during pregnancy. MRI is contraindicated for people with a pacemaker or other metallic debris in the body. Ultrasound examination is not possible for fractures and other tissue damage.

Advantages and diagnostic capabilities of the method

With X-ray osteodensitometry, bone tissue is illuminated by two streams of X-rays at once. The device scans and the computer processes the data. Modern devices are equipped with programs of normative indicators based on age and gender. After a comparative analysis, the doctor can accurately calculate the volumetric density and thickness of bone tissue.

Radiation exposure during diagnosis using the DEXA method is 10 times lower than with radiography or fluorography, and the information content of the examination is much higher. The painless procedure allows you to examine the lumbar spine, femur, and forearm area. It is these areas that most often suffer from osteoporosis-related traumatic injuries, which can lead to complete loss of motor activity.

Indications for use

Bone density assessment is carried out in case of frequent fractures and dislocations, back pain for no apparent reason. It is necessary for diseases that cause disturbances in mineral metabolism. These include diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.

Indications for densitometry are also:

• long-term use of hormonal drugs;
• pathologies of the body's endocrine system;
• neurological diseases;
• disturbance of calcium-phosphorus metabolism;

Densitometry is useful for preventive purposes. It is prescribed to people at risk of osteoporosis. It includes people over 40 years of age, women during pregnancy, lactation and menopause.

Joint injury

One of the most common reasons that bring patients to MRI of the joints is a recent injury. And not only common bruises, dislocations, sprains of the knee, ankle, and shoulder joints, but also more exotic ones, such as injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to jaw dislocation caused by yawning. The choice in favor of high-quality MRI (from 1.5 Tesla and above) is justified by the high accuracy of visualization of the structures of the joint and adjacent muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. But if a bone tissue injury (fracture) is suspected, it makes sense to supplement the diagnostic program with radiography or computed tomography.

Most often, the patient remembers under what circumstances the joint injury occurred and comes in immediately after receiving the injury, which simplifies a reliable diagnosis and allows treatment to be carried out in such a way as to minimize disruption of the functionality of the joint in the future.

Preparing for the study

X-ray densitometry is completely painless.
The study requires virtually no special preparation. The main points that you need to pay attention to before preparing and report information to your doctor: - is there a possibility that you are pregnant;

— have you recently undergone an X-ray examination using barium mixtures, intravenous contrast for computed tomography, radioisotope scanning (metal-containing contrast agents can be retained in the body and interfere with the accuracy of measurements);

- leave jewelry at home, wear loose, comfortable clothing, without zippers, metal buttons, or belts with metal buckles, because they may interfere with the X-ray images;

- You should not take calcium medications or dietary supplements at least 24 hours before the test.

Joint pain: possible causes

What brings us to the doctor are symptoms—manifestations of various joint dysfunctions. But the task of comprehensive diagnostics is broader. In addition to ascertaining the presence, type, and degree of damage to the joint and its components (bones, cartilage, ligaments, discs), as well as disruption of the adjacent structures that affect the functioning of the joint (nerves, muscles), it is necessary to take measures that will indicate the causes of such damage. Otherwise, the treatment will be symptomatic and will not eliminate the cause of the disorders.

Contraindications

Since during densitometry the patient is exposed to x-rays, even in a small dose, the study is not recommended for pregnant women to eliminate the risk of negative effects on the fetus. Also, the procedure should not be performed if the patient has undergone an X-ray examination using barium contrast within 10 days before.

Carrying out densitometry can be difficult in the presence of metal implants in the skeleton, which are used in reconstructive surgery. Sometimes the examination cannot be performed in principle due to recent fractures or arthritis of the spine, since the patient is not able to take the required position on the table and hold the body in a certain position for the required time.

You can find out the price of densitometry in Moscow and sign up for an examination by filling out a special form on the website, ordering a call back or by calling +7 (495) 223-38-83.