THE IMPORTANCE OF BONE DENSITOMETRY IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract

Osteoporosis represents a significant global public health challenge, characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. This systematic review examines the role of dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) in the early detection of osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Through a comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature from PubMed, SciELO, and other databases, this study demonstrates the exceptional reliability of DXA, with a coefficient of variation below 1% for serial measurements. The results reveal that regular DXA screening in high-risk populations can reduce the incidence of hip fractures by up to 40%, significantly impacting morbidity and healthcare costs. However, substantial challenges persist, including marked underutilization in underserved regions and insufficient professional training. The research concludes that, although DXA remains the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis, its clinical effectiveness and public health impact critically depend on policies that ensure equitable access, standardized protocols, and continuing professional education. These measures are essential to optimize the management of osteoporosis and reduce the growing burden of fragility fractures in aging populations worldwide.