Clinical application of Leonardo and pQCT

The aim of bone densitometry is to determine bone strength and estimate fracture risk. The fracture risk is primarily determined by the fall risk. Bone strength is defined mainly by its material properties and geometry. While conventional area projected bone density measurement methods cannot determine bone strength sufficiently it can be measured by means of pQCT with the determination of physically accurate bone density and the required geometrical parameters. The fall risk can also be reliably assessed with a series of simple exercises on the Leonardo force plate. The combination of Leonardo Mechanography and pQCT thus provides a superior approach to musculo-skeletal diagnostics.

Why Leonardo and pQCT?

pQCT is more than measurement of bone mass.

pQCT measures trabecular and cortical bone density in g/cm³, bone strength, bone geometry and muscle cross sectional area. In contrast to conventional methods pQCT reports physically correct units (g/cm³ instead of g/cm²). Trabecular and cortical bone can be evaluated separately. The results are independent of body size and weight and there is no influence of extra osseous calcifications and changes in soft tissue composition.

Muscle cross-sectional area and muscle density.

Muscle parameters like cross-sectional area and muscle density are essential to quantify the mechanism of bone adaptation ("Mechanostat"). The same parameters are also essential for the definition of Sarcopenia and Dynapenia.

Determination of fall risk with Leonardo Mechanography.

The fracture risk is primarily determined by the fall risk. Muscle power, strength and balance are essential for the determination of fall risk. Leonardo mechanography allows the accurate measurement and analysis of important parameters of muscle function such as force, power, speed, and stiffness with high reproducibility.

Product overview and background information

• Product overview Leonardo Mechanograph
• Product overview pQCT bone density & bone geometry (Startec xCT)
• Background information for Leonardo mechanography
• Background information for pQCT bone density & bone geometry

Continuative information

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