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Position Development Conference. (Special Article).

Article Excerpt
Bone densitometry is routinely used to assess the skeleton in patients who have diseases or conditions that can cause low bone mass. However, there are some areas of controversy related to the interpretation of bone densitometry results. To address these issues, the international Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) convened a Position Development Conference in Denver, CO, July 20 through 22, 2001. The ISCD is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary society whose main mission is to promote quality in the performance and interpretation of bone densitometry examinations.

Methods

The Position Development Conference used an expert panel of physicians, researchers, and technologists, representing a wide array of specialty areas. (1) The purpose of the conference was to provide clinical recommendations based on scientific data and, if data were lacking, on expert opinion. Four general questions were selected for consideration by the panel on the basis of clinical importance and likelihood of reaching agreement:

1. Which central dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) skeletal sites and regions of interest should be used to determine the diagnosis of osteoporosis?

2. What are the criteria by which a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made in men and non-Caucasian women?

3. What is the role of serial bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in patient...