Which term refers to the imaging-based assessment of bone density?

• A. Osteoclasts
• B. M-mode sonography
• C. Vascular sonography applications
• D. Bone densitometry

Answer: (D)

Imaging-based assessment of bone density is called bone densitometry. It quantifies bone mineral density (BMD) using imaging techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative CT (QCT), and other imaging methods that estimate mineral content. This information helps diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk by comparing a patient’s BMD to reference values, often resulting in T-scores and Z-scores. The other terms refer to different areas: osteoclasts are the bone-resorbing cells, M-mode sonography is a specific ultrasound imaging mode used mainly for motion assessment, and vascular sonography applications focus on imaging blood vessels.