Which two hip regions are commonly used for diagnosing osteoporosis?

• A. Total hip and femoral neck
• B. Greater trochater and lesser trochanter
• C. Subtrochanteric and femoral shaft
• D. Pelvic brim and ischium

Answer: (A)

The total hip and femoral neck are the two hip regions most commonly used for diagnosing osteoporosis due to their significant correlation with fracture risk. The total hip encompasses the entire femoral head and neck area, providing a comprehensive view of the hip's bone density, which is critical for assessing overall skeletal strength. The femoral neck, specifically, is a common site for osteoporotic fractures, making it essential in the evaluation of bone health.

Both regions are standardized in clinical practice and have well-established criteria for diagnosing osteoporosis based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) results, which measure bone mineral density (BMD). These measurements are vital in identifying individuals at risk for fractures and in guiding treatment decisions.

In contrast, the other options listed do not typically serve as primary sites for diagnosing osteoporosis. The greater and lesser trochanters, while important anatomical landmarks, do not provide the same level of diagnostic information regarding overall bone density and fracture risk. The subtrochanteric and femoral shaft areas come into play in specific clinical scenarios but are not standard sites for routine osteoporosis screening. Lastly, the pelvic brim and ischium are not regular sites of focus in osteoporosis assessments, further reinforcing why the total hip and femoral neck