What technique involves the use of images of the hand and an aluminum wedge?

What technique involves the use of images of the hand and an aluminum wedge?

• A. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
• B. RA (Radiographic Absorptiometry)
• C. QUS (Quantitative Ultrasound)
• D. CT (Computed Tomography)

Answer: (B)

The technique that involves the use of images of the hand and an aluminum wedge is Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA). This method specifically uses X-ray images of the bone in the hand, commonly the distal phalanx or the second metacarpal, along with an aluminum wedge to calibrate bone density measurements. The aluminum wedge acts as a reference for the X-ray absorption due to its known attenuation properties, allowing for the calculation of bone mineral density from the obtained images. This technique is particularly advantageous for assessing bone density in skeletal sites that are easily accessible, such as the hand, and provides a non-invasive way to estimate bone density, making it useful in clinical settings. The use of aluminum in RA helps in quantifying the bone density accurately by comparing the X-ray absorption of the bone to that of the aluminum. In contrast, DEXA primarily employs two different energy X-ray beams to measure bone density in larger areas, like the spine or hip, rather than focusing on a hand image. Quantitative Ultrasound utilizes sound waves rather than X-rays to assess bone density and strength, often evaluated at peripheral sites such as the heel. Computed Tomography offers detailed cross-sectional images and can assess bone density but does not use the specific

The technique that involves the use of images of the hand and an aluminum wedge is Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA). This method specifically uses X-ray images of the bone in the hand, commonly the distal phalanx or the second metacarpal, along with an aluminum wedge to calibrate bone density measurements. The aluminum wedge acts as a reference for the X-ray absorption due to its known attenuation properties, allowing for the calculation of bone mineral density from the obtained images.

This technique is particularly advantageous for assessing bone density in skeletal sites that are easily accessible, such as the hand, and provides a non-invasive way to estimate bone density, making it useful in clinical settings. The use of aluminum in RA helps in quantifying the bone density accurately by comparing the X-ray absorption of the bone to that of the aluminum.

In contrast, DEXA primarily employs two different energy X-ray beams to measure bone density in larger areas, like the spine or hip, rather than focusing on a hand image. Quantitative Ultrasound utilizes sound waves rather than X-rays to assess bone density and strength, often evaluated at peripheral sites such as the heel. Computed Tomography offers detailed cross-sectional images and can assess bone density but does not use the specific