calcium from the bones. Over time, without adjustment in diet, osteoporosis usually devel ops (Berger, 1987).
In women, significant hormonal changes after menapause alter an individual's calcium reserves; thus, causing them to be approximately eight times as susceptible as are men to the development of osteoporosis. There are, however, sensient changes other than ovarian failure which may also lead to post menapausal bone loss (Teitelbaum, 1987). These other changes include (1) diminished renal function, and (2) changes in vita min D metabolism. There are likely additional factors involved, which are yet to be linked to postmenapausal bone loss in women. Approximately one in four women will develop osteoporosis, if adequate adjustments are not made (Berger, 1987). 3
There exist a number of procedures for the detection of osteoporosis. These procedures are primarily non invasive; however, there is one widely used invasive procedure. Non invasive and invasive procedures are considered separately.
Non invasive detection procedures are classified accordingto they type of bone measurement performed. The procedures forthe quantitating of appendicular bone mass, and those for quan titating trabecular bone are discussed separately.
Procedures for Quantitating Appendicular Bone Mass
Among the methods for quantitating appendicular bone mass, radiogrammetry and photon absorptiometry are (1) the most widely available, (2) the least costly, and (3) those involving the lowest radiation doses for the patient (Johnston, 1987). There are other advantages, as well as disadvantages to the use of both radiogrammetry and photon absorptiometry.
In the detection of osteoporosis before fractures occur, the procedure selected should provide the greatest accuracy in the assessment of the quantity of bone present (Johnston, 1987). When radiogrammetry and photon absorptiometry proce dures are used, bone mass measured at a peri...