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.