Abstract: An accessory for fluoroscopy equipment is provided to support the x-ray tube and detector on a pedestal with respect to a patient limb for quantitative bone densitometry measurement. Software loaded into the associated digital imaging fluoroscopy equipment provides necessary correction of the images for the quantitative accuracy needed for bone densitometry. Alternatively, a specialized detector or extremely low form factor image intensifier may be inserted in the pedestal to be used in lieu of the fluoroscopy equipment detector. A similar software correction is performed on an associated computer when a separate detector must be used.

Abstract: A short form intensifier is provided having a plurality of cameras each providing a portion of the image of the image intensifier to reduce the focal length and hence the distortion of each camera individually. The images may be collected to provide a single contiguous image. Multiple lenses may be associated with different correction factors in associated correction circuitry.

Abstract: An accessory for fluoroscopy equipment is provided to support the x-ray tube and detector on a pedestal with respect to a patient limb for quantitative bone densitometry measurement. Software loaded into the associated digital imaging fluoroscopy equipment provides necessary correction of the images for the quantitative accuracy needed for bone densitometry. Alternatively, a specialized detector or extremely low form factor image intensifier may be inserted in the pedestal to be used in lieu of the fluoroscopy equipment detector. A similar software correction is performed on an associated computer when a separate detector must be used.

Abstract: A projectional densitometry system performs a scan of an individual's left and right femora by using the location of one femur to estimate a starting location for scanning the opposite femur. The estimated starting location of the second femur scan is based on metric data inputted by the operator or extracted from the first femur scan. Alternatively, the densitometry system performs an initial bone-locating scan of both femora, after which it performs a second, density-measuring scan based on the metric data extracted from the initial scan. A special leg positioning device is used to properly orient both femora for scanning, obviating the need to reposition the individual after scanning the first femur.

Abstract: A scanning densitometer provides transverse scanning of the patient with a small angle fan beam to significantly reduce parallax and image overlap blurring. Additional reduction of artifacts in the region of combined scans is obtained by a varying overlap of the scans when they are merged determined by a best matching of an identified structure within the scan. The matching process which reveals an ideal overlap provides height data of the structure allowing correction of magnification for structures which change in height within the patient over the scan.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid statement near x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with movement of both to produce a matrix of data elements representing attenuation through the patient. Each of these data elements may be characterized as to its material type by the use of the data element values, templates representing general rules to be applied to the bone and operator input. The operator input is provided by a cursor controlled paintbrush which changes classifications of individual pixels based on a selected brush type.

Abstract: An ultrasonometer having opposed ultrasonic transducers with bladders containing a coupling fluid, controls the geometry of the bladder so as to provide immobilization of the patient as well as coupling of the ultrasound to the patient member. The coupling fluid may be hermetically enclosed in sealed chambers slideable toward the patient member or may be fixed in position and use a collar distending the membrane outward by compressing other portions of the membrane inward. A rolling diaphragm-type pump allows inflation of the membranes in an alternative embodiment without exposure of the acoustic coupling liquid to outside contamination. Temperature sensors and heaters communicating with the acoustic coupling fluid to reduce error caused by changes in the fluid's temperature.

Abstract: A method for reducing or preventing elevated blood parathyroid hormone level in a human being suffering from hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.4 or 1.alpha.,24(R)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A method for preventing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.--OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.,24(S)--(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.--OH vitamin D.sub.4 or l.alpha.,24(R)--(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A scanning ultrasonic apparatus provides measurements of a bone at a number of spatially separated locations. These measurements may produce an image or may be used to automatically identify a measurement region of interest or to align a series of measurements with each other despite possible shifting in the bony member in between measurements.

Abstract: A side-by-side x-ray detector provides dual energy measurements in a scanned configuration where high and low energy detector elements are interspersed. Alternating high and low energy detector elements in both row and column allows for interpolation and time and space providing virtual measurements at identical times and locations reducing image artifacts and errors caused by edges in the image. The resulting detector may be suitable for a variety of imaging applications including medical densitometry and baggage scanning.

Abstract: A side-by-side x-ray detector provides dual energy measurements in a scanned configuration where high and low energy detector elements are interspersed. Alternating high and low energy detector elements in both row and column allows for interpolation and time and space providing virtual measurements at identical times and locations reducing image artifacts and errors caused by edges in the image. The resulting detector may be suitable for a variety of imaging applications including medical densitometry and baggage scanning.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic methods for inhibiting, ameliorating or alleviating the hyperproliferative cellular activity of diseases of the prostate, e.g., prostatic cancer and prostatic hyperplasia, which includes administering to a patient in need thereof an active vitamin D analogue. Cell differentiation is promoted, induced or enhanced without causing to the patient dose-limiting hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.

Abstract: A compact peripheral densitometer allows multi-use imaging of the foot and arm by means by simple rotation of the entire unit to be supported on different portions of its base at either of two angles. A slot in the unit may thus open upward for foot imaging when the unit is placed on the ground or open sideways for arm imaging with the unit resting on a table or the like.

Abstract: A dual energy densitometer includes a solid state linear x-ray detector which may be swept across the patient with the movement of a poly-energetic fan beam of x-rays to produce a digital bone density image. A broad spectrum film plate interposed between the detector and the patient simultaneously provides a full spectrum radiographic image of high resolution and low parallax such as may be used for morphometric studies. Intervertebral spaces may be used to measure vertebrae heights which may be statistically combined to provide a standard against which crush fractures may be detected.

Abstract: A method for preventing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism by administering a sufficient amount of 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.,24(S)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.2, 1.alpha.-OH vitamin D.sub.4 or 1.alpha.,24(R)-(OH).sub.2 vitamin D.sub.4.

Abstract: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bones from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone obtains a matrix of data values assembled from an x-ray scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate an axis of the bone from which subsequent measures may be referenced. Once the axis is fixed, one or more of several useful indicia of bone condition such a length or interbone spacing can be calculated. The measures are compared to a set of reference values that has been normalized to lumbar vertebrae of the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasound densitometer is disclosed in which ultrasonic transducers are located spaced apart in a water bath into which the heel of a person may be inserted. Attenuation and time of flight of an ultrasonic pulse are determined and combined to reduce the effect of heel width on the measurement without physically measuring the heel width. Bladders with selected coupling gels may be used to adjust the region at which the heel width effects are most reduced. A C-brace used to hold the transducers independent of the water bath permits their removal for servicing without upsetting their alignment and separation when reinstalled.

Abstract: A scanning radiographic densitometer constructs a broad area, two dimensional projection image from a combination of a set of smaller fan beam scans by tilting the axis of each such smaller scan to construct an effective larger fan beam to reduce artifacts caused by height dependant overlap of the multiple fan beams. The data is projected to a non-planar image surface to eliminate local area distortion such as may cause error in density measurements and to permit some overlap without height sensitive effects.