Summary: As many as 8 million American women currently have osteoporosis
and an additional 34 million Americans have low bone density, a
precursor to osteoporosis. Amazingly, most are unaware of this
condition until they experience a bone fracture. In fact,
osteoporosis is believed to be responsible for as many as 1.5
mil
As many as 8 million American women currently have osteoporosis
and an additional 34 million Americans have low bone density, a
precursor to osteoporosis. Amazingly, most are unaware of this
condition until they experience a bone fracture. In fact,
osteoporosis is believed to be responsible for as many as 1.5
million fractures a year, including more than 300,000 hip
fractures, at an annual cost of over $17 billion. Therefore, it is
essential that all women over the age of 65, as well as those
postmenopausal women who have already experienced a fracture,
undergo bone densitometry.
The two strongest predictors of future fractures are the
presence of an existing vertebral fracture--many of which can be
asymptomatic--and low bone mineral density (BMD). The Delphi QDR
Bone Densitometer from Hologic Inc. (Bedford, MA) simultaneously
integrates the assessment of both of these factors in a single
exam.
With its high-resolution fan-beam X-ray technology, the system
provides Instant Vertebral Assessment (IVA), permitting rapid
visual interpretation of vertebral status in a clinical setting.
The low-dose, single-energy X-ray image for the evaluation of
vertebral deformities is acquired in 10 seconds. These results can
then be instantly integrated with the BMD results, providing the
most accurate predictive values for the risk of future
fractures.
"The clinical importance of having visual confirmation of
vertebral deformities cannot be underestimated," said Eric von
Stetten, PhD, scientific director at Hologic. "Studies have shown
that these therapeutic agents are most effective for those at
highest risk, ie, those with low BMD and vertebral fractures.
Commonly available therapies can effectively reduce fractures in
this group by as much as 50%. The combination of BMD assessment and
vertebral deformity assessment clearly improves the clinician's
ability to accurately target therapy to those who can benefit
most."
The Windows-based system also includes OneTime Auto Analysis for
the automatic analysis of spine and hip bone scans; Dual Hip BMD
Analysis for automated assessment of dominant and nondominant femur
BMD, allowing identification of the lowest BMD site; and seamless
upgradeability and data compatibility with previous generation
Hologic QDR series bone densitometers.
Recently, Hologic added Image Pro to its line of Delphi bone
densitometers. Using sophisticated image filtration techniques
similar to those used in other digital imaging technologies, Image
Pro provides improved visual assessment of vertebral body
deformities.
The company also added the Integrated Radiology Informatics
System (IRIS) for paperless densitometry and vertebral imaging.
IRIS allows for the transmission, remote interpretation, and
electronic reporting of patient images. This suite of features
improves patient throughput by streamlining workflow to minimize
technologist time and facilitating physician reporting. This
DICOM-based system also permits remote interpretation and provides
paperless reporting tools.
"These new features extend Hologic's leadership position in
digital imaging. Hologic has again demonstrated its commitment to
provide the medical community with the best imaging quality and
streamlined interpretation and communication of densitometry
results," said Hologic CEO and president Jack W. Cumming.