What is it
X-ray Computerized Bone Mineralometry (Moc) is the reference survey for the evaluation of bone density, a key parameter for the identification of possible bone depletion and the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
It is a simple and quick examination to perform, painless and does not require any preliminary preparation.
Depending on the age of the patient and the reasons that motivate its execution, the Moc can be performed at the level of the femur, spine, forearm or the whole skeleton (Moc total body).
To assess the evolution of bone depletion, the survey can be repeated, but at intervals of at least one year since bone metabolism changes slowly.
Although it is necessary to administer X-rays to obtain information on the mineral density of the skeleton, MOC does not pose a risk to patients because the radiation dosage used is extremely low (even ten times lower than the level of ionizing radiation normally present in the environment).
Who should do it
The execution of the Moc is indicated in all people at risk of bone depletion for personal, pathological or lifestyle reasons. In particular, it is useful to carry out the examination in case of:
- Deficiency of estrogen hormones due to: early menopause (before the age of 45); absence of menstrual flow for more than a year; primary hypogonadism (reduced development of the ovaries);
- Prolonged therapies with systemic cortisone drugs;
- Maternal family history of femur or vertebral fracture before the age of 75;
- Malnutrition and excessive thinness;
- Presence of diseases associated with osteoporosis;
- Previous fragility fractures;
- Radiological finding of osteoporosis or vertebral sagging;
- Loss of stature (more than 6 cm);
- Women over 65 years of age.
Moc of the spine is particularly indicated in young women (40-55 years), especially if in menopause for a short time, and in short-term monitoring of osteoporosis therapy.
Femoral Moc is preferred in elderly patients (over 65 years of age) in whom, due to abdominal and vertebral calcification processes associated with age, spine Moc may give unclear and inaccurate information.
What does it consist of?
The Moc is performed with a procedure similar to that of a normal X-ray, placing the part of the skeleton to be examined within range of the detector (densitometer) and keeping it immobile for the time indicated by the operator (generally, a few tens of seconds for each image to be acquired).
To carry out the Moc of the spine you must lie down on the densitometer bed on your stomach, after removing any metal object from the abdominal area (clothing with buttons, zippers or hooks, chains, etc.).
To perform the Moc of the femur, the procedure is similar: you will always have to lie on your stomach on the densitometer bed and you will have to rest your legs on a support designed to adequately orient the femur and allow the detector to acquire an optimal image.
The Moc of the forearm can be performed while sitting, positioning the forearm in the detection range of the densitometer and keeping it still or rotating it according to the operator’s instructions.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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