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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.

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