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High-Resolution Peripheral QCT

Meaning

High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technique used in endocrinology and skeletal health to produce detailed, three-dimensional volumetric images of the microarchitecture of peripheral bones, typically the distal radius and tibia. This specialized scan allows for the precise quantification of bone density, cortical thickness, and trabecular structure, providing insights into bone strength that are not possible with standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It is a vital tool for assessing the subtle effects of hormonal changes, such as estrogen decline, on bone integrity and fracture susceptibility.