BONE ABSORPTIOMETRY - A REAL CONTRIBUTION

Bone absorptiometry has allowed a real progression in the study of ost eoporosis. Radiological dual-photon absorptiometry measures bone densi ty with a precision near to 1% which renders it useful for clinical us e. Osteoporosis is specially prevalent among women older than 50 years . Since the disease is usually silent and there is not treatment to in crease bone mass, its early detection is mandatory. The National Osteo porosis Foundation has specificed the indications for bone absorptiome try. Although the routine measurement in postmenopausal women is not r ecommended, the author estimates that this guidance will change, due t o the high prevalence of asymptomatic osteopenia in these women.