Functional Imaging of the Proximal Femur Using Shape Template and a Bone Mineral Density Image

Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is generally considered to be the clinical gold standard to diagnose osteoporosis. However, BMD alone is only a moderate predictor of fracture risk. Finite element analyses (FEA) of bone mechanics can contribute to a more accurate prediction of fracture risk (Cody et al. 1999). However, CT imaging is relatively expensive and inflicts larger radiation doses on the patient.