Bone densitometry in urological practice

Bone densitometry is an essential method for assessing the risk of fractures, diagnosing osteoporosis and even reimbursing the treatment

of osteoporosis (primary as well as secondary one). DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is currently the fundamental densitometric

technique. In addition to commonly assessed values (BMD – bone mineral density), there are other parameters that can be obtained by

bone densitometry. Indications to bone densitometry are primarily in the hands of specialists concerned with diagnosing and treating

osteoporosis. However, this methodology can also be utilized by urologists in their practice, particularly in cases of secondary osteoporosis

in hypogonadism, in primary hyperparathyroidism and/or in the differential diagnosis of vertebral body compression. DXA densitometry

is one of the methods required in some clinical evaluations in urology, affecting possible classification of patients; therefore, it

should be available for urological practices. Ideally, there should be good interdisciplinary collaboration among the urologist, the bone

densitometry unit as well as outpatient departments and specialists who deal with metabolic bone diseases.

Keywords: fracture risk, osteoporosis, bone densitometry