Application of non-invasive methods of radiology to the osteoporosis

Abstract

Early screening and timely treatment can effectively reduce the morbidity and mortality of the osteoporotic fractures, and hence efficient and accurate non-invasive radiological method is crucial. Non-invasive imaging methods of radiology frequently encounter less resistance in the promotion of therapeutic activities than invasive procedures like bone biopsy and perfusion imaging. Although dual-energy X-ray absorption has been established as the primary diagnostic method for osteoporosis, its efficacy is relatively constrained due to various parameters, and it is challenging to accurately depict the true status of bone structure. In recent years, radiological techniques have developed rapidly. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, quantitative ultrasound and other imaging techniques have been widely used in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the research and clinical practices, which provides more comprehensive and detailed information about bone mineral density and bone structure for early diagnosis, treatment design and prognosis monitoring. As clinic and computer science crosstalk closely, it will become possible for artificial intelligence to assist or even independently perform imaging analysis and disease screening in image data base. This article reviews the individual characteristics and latest research progress of the non-invasive radiological techniques for the osteoporosis.

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• bone mineral density
• dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
• computed tomography
• magnetic resonance imaging