[Photodensitometry: microdensitometry (MD): digital image processing method (DIP)].

Abstract

The principles of microdensitometry (MD) and digital image processing method (DIP), as well as the application of these methods to measure bone mineral density in clinical practice, were mentioned in the report. MD and DIP assess bone mineral content and bone mineral density by analyzing relative contrast of the metacarpus II on X-ray image. However, the parameters obtained by these methods have been reported to be closely related to lumber vertebral bone mineral density and whole-body bone mineral content as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Being easy to use, MD and DIP are adequate for the screening of osteoporosis. Once any reduction in bone mineral content or bone mineral density is shown by MD or DIP, it is recommendable to measure bone mineral density of vertebrae and femoral neck by DXA.