Osteoporosis Screening: A Review

Abstract

Increased fragility fracture rates, increased morbidity and mortality, and a tremendous economic burden are all linked to osteoporosis and poor bone health. Osteoporosis, like many other diseases, benefits from early detection and prevention. The imaging and quantification of bone and bone mineral density are crucial in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Abdominal and thoracic CT provide a valuable opportunity for osteoporosis screening. Despite the significant prevalence and effect of osteoporosis, screening and treatment rates are still low. Apart from abdominal and thoracic CT which provide a valuable opportunity for osteoporosis screening, it is possible to perform fully automatic osteoporosis screening in routine CT scans of the spine, brain, tooth or some other body parts.