Risk factors in spinal bone mineral densitometry
Abstract
Absorptiometric methods have gained widespread use in quantification of bone mineral density, particularly for the assessment of fracture risk in osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the radiation burden to patients and operators related to the assessment of bone mineral status in the spine using either dual X ray absorptiometry (DXA), or single energy spectrum quantitative computed tomography (SE-QCT). Effective dose to adult patients from spinal bone mineral density measurement was found to be in the order of 1 μSv in DXA and 100 μSv in SE-QCT. The radiation burden to the operators was found to be low.