0000000000306526

AUTHOR

Fabio Massimo Ulivieri

Body composition with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: from basics to new tools

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in nowadays considered one of the most versatile imaging techniques for the evaluation of metabolic bone disorders such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity. The advantages of DXA over other imaging techniques are the very low radiation dose, its accuracy and simplicity of use. In addition, fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) values by DXA shows very good accuracy compared to that of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review we will explain the technical working principles of body composition with DXA, together with the possible limitations and pitfalls that should be avoided in daily routine to produce high-quality DXA examina…

research product

Improving adherence in osteoporosis: a new management algorithm for the patient with osteoporosis

Introduction: Bisphosphonates are the first-choice treatment for osteoporosis. They effectively increase bone mineral density, reduce markers of bone resorption, and lower the incidence of new fractures in patients with osteoporosis-related fracture. However, the efficacy observed in clinical trials may not be realized in a real-life setting, partly due to poor adherence to therapy, with a significant worsening of clinical outcomes. Several issues contribute to poor adherence to osteoporosis medication, including inconvenient dosing regimens and concerns about possible adverse events. Although strategies to improve adherence have been investigated, new approaches are required. Areas covered…

research product

Short-Term Precision Error of Bone Strain Index, a New DXA-Based Finite Element Analysis Software for Assessing Hip Strength

Abstract Bone Strain Index (BSI) is a new finite element analysis tool applied to hip dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term precision error of BSI on the proximal femur, both on a phantom and patients. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry guidelines were followed for short-term precision error assessment. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements were performed on an anthropomorphic femur phantom that was scanned twice for 30 times, for a total of 60 scans. For the in vivo part, 30 subjects were scanned twice. BSI precision error was compared to that of bone mineral density (BMD). Both for the phantom and the in vivo st…

research product

Operator-Related Errors and Pitfalls in Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry: How to Recognize and Avoid Them.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the most common modality for quantitative measurements of bone mineral density. Nevertheless, errors related to this exam are still very common, and may significantly impact on the final diagnosis and therapy. Operator-related errors may occur during each DXA step and can be related to wrong patient positioning, error in the acquisition process or in the scan analysis. The aim of this review is to provide a practical guide on how to recognize such errors in spine and hip DXA scan and how to avoid them, also presenting some of the most common artifacts encountered in clinical practice.

research product