Triple-photon energy absorptiometry in the measurement of bone mineral.

The feasibility of determination of bone mineral content using a triple-photon absorptiometric technique is presented. Using three different photon energies it is possible to correct the measured 'bone mineral' value for fat and lean soft tissue. The theoretical basis of the method, as well as the experimental determination of mass attenuation coefficients, is described. It is shown that the results are reproducible within 5 per cent, which means that the method could be of value in the management of metabolic bone diseases.