In this revision the author initially enumerates, by chronological order of introduction in the clinical medical practice, the different methods of image used in the diagnosis and follow-up of osteoporosis. Compares the precision, accuracy, duration, safety (dose of radiation), indications, sensitivity and specificity of the different methods of image described, mainly for plain X-rays, bone densitometry and bone ultrasonometry. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of bone densitometry in comparison to bone ultrasonometry, considering that although the recent great development of bone ultrasonometry, the dual energy X rays (DEXA) bone densitometry is still considered the gold standard method for the diagnosis and follow-up of osteoporosis. Concludes by the necessity of image methods with tridimensional measures of volume, instead of current bidimensional measures of area, of national or regional standardization of a reference database composed by normal brazilian controls and finally, of international standardization of technology and consequent measures employed by different bone densitometry and ultrasonometry equipment manufacturers.
Osteoporosis; Sensitivity; Specificity; Bone densitometry; Bone ultrasonometry
