Microcomputer Based Dual Energy Photon Absorptiometric Bone Mineral Analyzer (VCH)

Measurement of mineral content in trabecular bone with reproducible precision can have significant effect on patient management with osteopenic conditions. Commercial instruments measure single cross sections of the upper extremity which, unless uniform bone sections are measured, produce large errors. Forearm bones, that are primarily cortical and therefore less reflective of rapid bone turnover, are usually measured. Utilizing experience gained with rectilinear scanning for large area mineral estimation on Apollo and Skylab astronauts, we designed hardware and software that is compact, can use single or dual photon sources in a rectilinear fashion with precise repositioning, scan in a vertical or horizontal plane, perform on-line data storage and reduction, and provide continuous visual evaluation of the data profile.