[X-ray densitometry of the axial skeleton and ultrasound densitometry of the calcaneus: potentialities and values of the techniques in clinical practice].

Double-power X-ray absorptiometry of the axial skeleton and ultrasound densitometry of the calcaneus were used to examine 3 groups of patients: 58 with chronic renal failure (CRF), 73 with senile osteoporosis, and 78 with diabetes mellitus (DM). The examination has indicated that X-ray absorptiometry is the most informative method in diagnosing osteoporosis in patients with CRF and DM. Ultrasound densitometry is of informative value only in patients with senile osteoporosis and it may be used as a screening tool in this category of patients.