Which of the following imaging modalities is most commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis?

Bone densitometry is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing osteoporosis because it accurately measures bone mineral density (BMD). This technique is specifically designed to assess bone health and quantify the amount of mineral content in the bones, which is crucial for identifying osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. A lower BMD indicates weaker bones that are more susceptible to fractures, which is the primary concern in osteoporosis.

This modality employs a very low dose of radiation, typically around 1/10th of a chest X-ray, making it a safe and effective choice for patients, especially in populations at risk for osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women and the elderly. The results of bone densitometry are often compared to reference values based on the healthy young adult population, which helps physicians determine whether a patient has normal bone density, osteopenia (low bone density), or osteoporosis.

In contrast, while other imaging techniques like MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging can provide supplemental information regarding the skeleton or visualized fractures, they are not primarily designed for the evaluation of bone density. Their role in diagnosing osteoporosis is more limited and often comes into play when there are complications or when assessing the extent of current fractures rather than for initial diagnosis. This distinction underscores the specialized