Why is consistent rotation of the proximal femur important for follow-up scans?

• A. It reduces patient discomfort during scanning
• B. It improves precision by making follow-up images comparable to the baseline
• C. It helps in scanning faster
• D. It provides a wider field of view for analysis

Answer: (B)

Consistent rotation of the proximal femur during follow-up scans is crucial because it enhances precision and ensures that the follow-up images are comparable to the baseline. Variability in the positioning or rotation of the femur can lead to differences in the measurement of bone density, which may obscure any actual changes in the patient's bone health over time. By maintaining the same rotation approach in each scan, the technique controls for extraneous variables, allowing for a more accurate assessment of any changes or trends in bone mineral density. This consistency is vital for effective monitoring and management of conditions like osteoporosis, where even minor changes in density can have significant clinical implications.