Table 1.
Common methods for assessing bone mineral density
| Modality | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| DXA | Norms available for children and youth Widely used High reproducibility Short scanning times |
Radiation (trivial) Small bone size leads to BMD underestimate Lack of norms for children<age 7 years |
| qCT | Assessment of three-dimensional (volumetric) bone size and geometry | Radiation Lower reproducibility Whole-body not feasible Lack of norms for children |
| Ultrasound | No radiation Machines often portable |
Lack of norms for children and youth Cannot be used for whole-body or axial skeleton |