Digital X-ray Radiogrammetry

Digital X-ray Radiogrammetry (DXR) is a means of measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Digital X-ray radiogrammetry is based on the old technique of radiogrammetry. In DXR the cortical thickness of the three middle metacarpal bones in the hand is measured in a digital X-ray image by a computer and is through a geometrical operation converted to the forearm bone mineral density. The BMD is corrected for porosity of the bone, estimated by a texture analysis performed on the cortical part of the bone.

Additional recommended knowledge

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

How to quickly check pipettes?

Like other technologies for estimating the bone mineral density, the outputs are an areal BMD value, a T-score and a Z-score for assessing osteoporosis and the risk of bone fracture.

Due to high precision it is used for monitoring change in bone mineral density over time.

References

• Estimation of bone mineral density by digital X-ray radiogrammetry: theoretical background and clinical testing, Rosholm A et. al, Osteoporos Int. 2001;12(11):961-9.
• Digital X-ray radiogrammetry: a new appendicular bone densitometric method with high precision, Jorgensen JT et. al, . Clin Physiol. 2000 Sep;20(5):330-5.
• Friis M, Digital X-ray Radiogrammetry on Hand X-rays Obtained on Mammographic X-ray Equipment, Journal of the International Bone and Mineral Society, 2001, 28; 5(suppl):P336 (IBMS 2001).
• Digital X-ray radiogrammetry combined with semiautomated analysis of joint space widths as a new diagnostic approach in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study, Bottcher J et. al, Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Dec;52(12):3850-9.

External links

• Bone Densitometry explained