QUANTITATIVE RADIOGRAPHIC SURVEY TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTION OF BONE LOSS*

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Abstract: Bone loss in adults is a problem of epidemiology, geography, biochemical individuality and nutritional history. In recent times, the problem has been further complicated by the extensive use of corticosteroids for the clinical management of arthritic diseases. Prolonged exposure to these substances is definitely associated with the onset of severe disabling osteoporosis.Our preliminary radiographic data on 369 males and 666 females indicate that subnormal bone density in terms of finger phalanx 5–2 measurements is more prevalent in “healthy normal” subjects than heretofore realized. The procedure described here for the early detection of subclinical osteoporosis appears to be a useful aid in determination of the etiologic factors and assessment of the beneficial effects of various therapeutic modalities. As a logical continuation of this study, a questionnaire has been designed to relate change in phalanx 5‐2 bone density to such data as vital statistics, medical history, medication, fluoride exposure and dietary habits of each participant in the study. A survey of the present and future radiographic and associated biochemical data in this frame of reference should prove helpful in the determination of optimal measures for the prophylaxis and management of osteoporosis.

This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit: