Med. praxi. 2025;22(5):343-346 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2025.065

Benefits and risk of bone mineral density measurement in osteoporosis diagnosis

prof. MUDr. Vladimír Palička, CSc.

Osteocentrum, Ústav klinické biochemie a diagnostiky, Fakultní nemocnice a Lékařská fakulta UK v Hradci Králové

One of the fundamental diagnostic methods for monitoring disorders of bone metabolism is the measurement of bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This method allows the determination of bone mineral content at key diagnostic sites, specifically the lumbar spine and the proximal femur, and in some cases, the distal forearm. It is a rapid, non-invasive, and well-standardized technique that uses a global reference database for interpreting results. Despite its apparent simplicity, the measurement requires great care and proper execution. The results can be easily compromised by incorrect measurement procedures or improper interpretation. Even when the measurement is performed correctly and the findings are accurately assessed, bone mineral density measurement is only one step in the proper diagnosis of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.

Keywords: DXA, BMD, osteoporosis.

Received: July 21, 2025; Accepted: August 11, 2025; Published: December 1, 2025  Show citation