QCT Spine analysis images
with vertebral slice location
and automated bone density ROI
measurement areas and results
(Image courtesy of Image Analysis, Inc.)
"DXA sales are off the last few years, but the QCT by MindWays has grown with their 3D BMD product that takes advantage of the volumetric imaging capabilities of the multi-slice CT scanners," observed Greg Kramer, President, C&G Technologies, Inc., Jeffersonville, IN. "In addition, there are some innovative new capabilities coming down the road that relate to bone strength and geometry and even tissue composition that bring new utility to the product. This is a major benefit to QCT since new protocols can be added to the existing system with relative ease."
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Yet another application for bone densitometry overall is to track the body mass of obese patients, another at-risk and significant population.
"Bariatric surgery is a growing procedure as are weight loss programs. So [DXA] is an incredibly useful tool," Jenkins said. "The internal medicine doctor is being tasked with treating so many disorders and this is just another tool they can use."
Ultimately, the fate of the industry may come down to motivating the patient to be tested to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
"It's a terrible disease that is not as well recognized as breast cancer or cervical cancer," Jenkins said. "Every woman knows to get a mammogram at a certain age in her life and to get a pap test. However, here you have a disease that is incredibly debilitating, results in fractures with the complications leading to many deaths every year and yet people don't know when to get their bone density checked." DM8864
A Solid Case for BMD Testing and Funding
The facts speak for themselves. Bone mineral density testing, intervention, and monitoring are life-saving as well as cost-saving priorities for public health and funding. Here are some excerpts from recent legislation on bone health (S.769):
-DXA is a cost-effective preventive test with proven results in real world settings. DXA testing increases the number of individuals who are diagnosed and treated, resulting in a dramatic reduction in hip fractures and related costs.
