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 vertebra of the patient.

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: A method for automatically analyzing the morphometry of bone (20, 21) from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the bone (20, 21) 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 as length or interbone spacing can be calculated.

Abstract: A method of evaluating bone density around a radiolucent composite prosthesis establishes an implant boundary by fitting a stored template to radio-opaque reference markers embedded in the prosthesis. The implant boundary is used to create a measurement boundary displaced from the implant boundary toward the bone producing a conformal region of interest. Matched histograms of bone density in a lateral and medial such region of interest may be displayed to evaluate symmetrical stress effects. Alternatively, bone density may be displayed plotted along an axis cutting across the medial and lateral sides. Fiducial points are identified from the bone and implant morphology to ensure that either display will have a repeatable reference and hence that such displays will be directly comparable to later and earlier displays thereby aiding in the detection of bone change.

Abstract: An x-ray phantom provides at least two vertebral models one of which represents a case of clinically recognized deformity relevant to the evaluation of osteoporosis. The two vertebral models are mounted with respect to each other to simulate a second spine and to permit changing of the attitude and relative orientation of the vertebral models with respect to each other. The mounting may provide variable degrees of spine curvature and permit substitution of different vertebral models simulating different deformities. The vertebral models have known bone mineral densities to permit the evaluation of automatist bone density/morphometry techniques.

Abstract: A method for reversing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from osteoporosis is disclosed which comprises administering to the human being a daily dosage of at least 2.0 micrograms/day of 1-alpha-hydroxy-Vitamin D.sub.2.

Abstract: A method of evaluating bone density around a prosthesis establishes an implant boundary at the edge of the prosthesis and creates a measurement boundary displaced from this implant boundary toward the bone producing a conformed region of interest. Matched histograms of bone density in a lateral and medial such region of interest may be displayed to evaluate symmetrical stress effects. Alternatively, bone density may be displayed plotted along an axis cutting across the medial and lateral sides. Fiducial points are identified from the bone and implant morphology to ensure that either display will have a repeatable reference and hence that such displays will be directly comparable to later and earlier displays thereby aiding in the detection of bone change.

Abstract: A method for the derivation of indicia of vertebral morphology from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the vertebrae obtains a matrix of data values assembled from a lateral vertebral scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate local minima and maxima from which the borders of the vertebral body may be calculated. Once the borders of the vertebral bodies are derived, one or more of several useful indicia of vertebral condition can be calculated. These indicia are associated with clinically recognized modes of vertebral condition. The data values in the matrix are also scanned for areas of unusual densities so that nonhomogeneous regions are not used in measuring overall bone mineral density of a vertebra.

Abstract: A desitometer gantry may translate in two directions for scanning and may swivel about a vertical axis to allow the radiation angle and the detector-to-patient distance to be altered during a scan so as to provide constant magnification of the image and to align the patient's spine with the radiation beam for more accurate edge measurements. A method of reducing the effects of osteophytes on density measurements applies an iterative threshold based on the density difference between hard and soft tissue.

Abstract: A method for the derivation of indicia of vertebral morphology from data obtained by lateral digital scans of the vertebrae obtains a matrix of data values assembled from a lateral vertebral scan. The matrix is analyzed to locate local minima and maxima from which the borders of the vertebral body may be calculated. Once the borders of the vertebral bodies are derived, one or more of several useful indicia of vertebral condition can be calculated. These indicia are associated with clinically recognized modes of vertebral condition. The data values in the matrix are also scanned for areas of unusual densities so that nonhomogeneous regions are not used in measuring overall bone mineral density of a vertebra.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the strength and integrity of bone in vivo by ultrasound pulse taking its data by measurement of the os calcis or heel bone. The measured data is processed so that the instrument is capable of presenting its output in units of estimated spinal bone density, a value of recognized clinical value and acceptance. It has been determined that, using both the changes in the speed of ultrasound in the patient's heel and the broadband ultrasonic attenuation of the ultrasonic pulse as it transmits through the patient, that a value for estimated spinal bone mineral density can be calculated which correlates very well with actual measured values of spine mineral density.

Abstract: A method for reversing loss of bone mass or bone mineral content in a human being suffering from osteoporosis disclosed which comprises administering to the human being a daily dosage of at least 2.0 micrograms/day of 1-alpha-hydroxy-Vitamin D.sub.2.