Bone Measurement in the Differential Diagnosis of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Increased or decreased bone formation and bone loss, resulting in the clinical appearance of deficient bone or reduced bone tissue, may be indicated by measurements of (a) total tubular bone width, (b) medullary cavity width, (c) cortical thickness, (d) cortical area, and (e) per cent cortical area. Such measurements are more useful than the general terms “osteopenia” and “osteoporosis.”