Does Simultaneous Computed Tomography and Quantitative Computed Tomography Show Better Prescription Rate than Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry for Osteoporotic Hip Fracture?

Advancements in Osteoporosis Imaging, Screening, and Study of Disease Etiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to inform researchers and clinicians with the most recent imaging techniques that are employed (1) to opportunistically screen for osteoporosis and (2) to provide a better understanding into the disease etiology of osteoporosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Phantomless calibration techniques for computed tomography (CT) may pave the way for better opportunistic osteoporosis screening and the retroactive analysis of imaging data. Additionally, hardware advances are enabling new applications of dual-energy CT and cone-beam CT to the study of bone. Advances in MRI sequences are also improving imaging evaluation of bone properties. Finally, the application of image registration techniques is enabling new uses of imaging to investigate soft tissue-bone interactions as well as bone turnover. While DXA remains the most prominent imaging tool for osteoporosis diagnosis, new imaging techniques are becoming more widely available and providing additional information to inform clinical decision-making.