What factors could potentially lead to false-high BMD results?

• A. Insufficient hydration before the scan
• B. Artifacts from foreign bodies, osteoarthritis, or excessive soft tissue around the measurement site
• C. Low body weight and malnutrition
• D. Age-related factors only

Answer: (B)

Artifacts from foreign bodies, osteoarthritis, or excessive soft tissue around the measurement site can indeed contribute to false-high bone mineral density (BMD) results. The presence of foreign bodies, such as surgical hardware or implants, can interfere with the measurement process and lead to overestimations of bone density. Similarly, osteoarthritis can cause changes in bone and surrounding tissues that may impact the accuracy of the results. Excessive soft tissue around the measurement site can also influence the attenuation of the X-ray beam used during the scan, resulting in higher BMD readings.

Understanding the influence of these artifacts is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it helps healthcare providers differentiate between true bone density changes and those caused by external factors. Addressing these issues prior to the scan, such as ensuring there are no foreign bodies present and being mindful of the patient's body composition, can help to mitigate the risk of obtaining false-high results.