Noticias HC

CT Densitometry

What is it?

CT densitometry is the measurement of bone density (BMD, bone mineral density – the quantity of calcium per millilitre) using CT of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine.

 

Bones possess a protein and mineral structure, the latter being fundamentally calcium. If the quantity of calcium in the bone diminishes (put another way, if the bone mineral density decreases) the bone’s ability to withstand bumps and strains is reduced, increasing the risk of fracture.

 

If a patient has low bone density, this implies an increased risk of fracture in comparison to a patient with normal bone density, when faced with the same trauma. The bone mineral density measurement therefore demonstrates the probability of fracture in a patient in comparison to a patient with normal bone density.

 
 
CT 64x2 slices
 
 

How is it done?

With a CT scan. It is a short, quick test, without contrast, using low-dose radiation. The other ways to measure bone density (DEXA scan for example) also use radiation. The dose of radiation used in CT densitometry is at a similar level.

 
 

In which patients is this test useful?

In those patients who are at higher risk of “bone loss” or who have a higher risk of less healthy bones. These may be women going through the menopause, those with a personal or family history of probable osteoporotic fracture, patients with increased bone loss as a result of illness or treatment, or those with an endocrine disorder such as hyperparathyroidism.

 
 

How are results interpreted?

By comparing your bone density with the bone density of the normal population of the same age, sex and race. If you have much lower bone density than the general population with the same age, sex and race as you, you are considered as suffering from osteoporosis and you are at a higher risk of fracture.

 
 

How useful is it to know my bone density?

If you have low bone density, treatment is available, preventing further bone loss and therefore preventing fractures (of the spine, hip, wrist…).

 

Once treatment has been started, further CT densitometry can evaluate its effectiveness. If BMD increases, or does not decrease further, treatment is effective and should be continued.

 
 

Who should not have this test?

Essentially, pregnant women due to the risk from radiation.

 

 

August 28, 2019

 

 

 

Read other news

Online appointment and download of test results through My HC.

Tel.: +34 952 908 628

952908898 Oncology
951829978 Diagnosis by imaging
951829947 Gynecology
952908897 Fertility
951829947 Physiotherapy

 

     

     

    I agree to receive e-mails with offers and news about this and other services. *

    YesNo

     

    Responsible: HC Hospitales, S.L. Purpose: Managing the appointment process. Sending you information by newsletter, upon your acceptance. Duration: The data is deleted once the information has been provided to you, unless you contract our services or request us to contact you in the future. With regard to the newsletter, the data is deleted when you unsubscribe from it. Recipients: We do not disclose your data to any other party. Rights: To access, rectify, and delete your data, as well as further rights explained in the additional information webpage: https://clientes.prodat.es/privacidad/MLG/HCMARBELLA

     

    Specialized Care

    Patient Services

    HC Professionals

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Subscribe