Bone densitometry: an update.

After completing this article on osteoporosis and bone densitometry, readers will be able to: Summarize the economic and psychosocial effects of osteoporosis. Differentiate between primary and secondary causes of osteoporosis. List the risk factors associated with osteoporosis and osteoporotic bone fractures. Describe techniques for preventing osteoporosis. Compare and contrast pharmaceutical agents used to treat osteoporosis. Discuss techniques used to measure bone mineral density, including DXA, pDXA and ultrasound. Know how to prepare and position a patient for a bone density scan and how to minimize radiation exposure to the patient, the technologist and others.