In a proper forearm scan, where should the growth plate be positioned?

• A. Included within the ultra-distal ROI
• B. At the edge of the scan
• C. Included in the distal ROI
• D. Not included within the ultra-distal box

Answer: (D)

In a proper forearm scan, the growth plate should be positioned so that it is not included within the ultra-distal box. The ultra-distal region is specifically defined to evaluate bone density in the area most affected by osteoporosis, focusing on the trabecular bone in that section. Including the growth plate in this analysis would introduce variability and confound the measurements, as the growth plate has different density and structure compared to the adjacent cortical and trabecular bone.

By positioning the growth plate outside the ultra-distal box, the scan can provide a more accurate representation of the bone mineral density of the area being assessed. This approach ensures that the analysis focuses on the relevant bone structures for proper diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis and other bone density-related conditions. Thus, positioning ensures the integrity and accuracy of the density readings derived from the scan.