Originally published October 27 2005
New technique will help doctors identify osteoporosis early
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Edward Draper of Imperial College London and the Royal Veterinary College led researchers in the development of a new technique known as the Raman spectroscopic procedure, which will allow doctors to measure collagen and determine a patient's risk of osteoporosis.
Scientists have developed a technique, which can be used to reveal the strength of bones, allowing doctors to more accurately estimate the risk of bone fracture.
According to new research, scientists in London reportedly have developed a laser imaging technique, which can more fully analyze the strength of bones, a technique the scientists hope can be used to predict the probability of women developing osteoporosis in later life.
Lead researcher Dr Edward Draper of Imperial College London and the Royal Veterinary College, and lead researcher, states: "Traditionally, the only way to predict bone strength has been through X-rays, but these can only measure part of the strength of the bone.
Using this new technique we can get a more complete measurement, allowing us to predict better the risk of fractures as a result of osteoporosis."
Though x-rays can measure bone strength, they can only be used to measure bone mineral density, which only accounts for part of the strength.
The new Raman spectroscopic procedure allows scientists to measure the collagen, which also affects bone strength by eliminating the spectral components of overlying tissues.
The scientists plan to develop this work into a test for women during adolescence to predict the likelihood of osteoporosis developing in later life.
By taking steps earlier on, such as increasing exercise to build up bone mass, this could prevent the need for more costly and invasive interventions.
Dr Draper adds, "We hope we can further develop this technique, and use it as part of a national screening."
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