1.1 Introduction
Bone density, or bone mineral density (BMD), is the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue. The concept is of mass of mineral per volume of bone (relating to density in the physics sense), although clinically it is measured by proxy according to optical density per square centimetre of bone surface upon imaging. Bone density measurement is used in clinical medicine as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk. It is measured by a procedure called densitometry, often performed in the radiology or nuclear medicine departments of hospitals or clinics.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Bone densities and geometric properties of the forearm can be measured to determine peak bone mass, the degree of disease, or age-related bone loss. The purpose of these measurements is not only to determine the amount of bone or bone loss at the scanning site and to predict the risk of forearm fractures but also to estimate bone mass at other appendicular sites and at the axial skeleton. The peripheral location of the forearm and the relatively small amount of surrounding soft tissue have made this site an obvious early choice for the assessment of a subject’s bone mineral. The limited amount of surrounding tissue increases the accuracy and the precision of bone mass measurement due to reduced beam hardening and negligible soft tissue correction. The peripheral scanning site reduces the radiation dose to the gonads and makes equipment requirements simpler and less expensive. A bone density test determines if an individual have osteoporosis - a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Evaluation of Forearm Density with Axial Tomorgraphy.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the Evaluation of Forearm Density with Axial Tomorgraphy research work, which entails that; a lot of people who have lost at least 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height may have compression fractures in their spines, for which osteoporosis is one of the main causes. Fragility fractures occur when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks much more easily than expected. Fragility fractures can sometimes be caused by a strong cough or sneeze. Long-term use of steroid medications, such as prednisone, interferes with the bone-rebuilding process — which can lead to osteoporosis. In addition to the natural drop in hormones that occurs after menopause, women's estrogen may also drop during certain cancer treatments. Some treatments for prostate cancer reduce testosterone levels in men. Lowered sex hormone levels weaken bone (Mayoclinic, 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the Forearm Density with Axial Tomorgraphy. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the validity of axial tomography technique for estimating forearm density.
- To identify decreases in bone density before an individual break a bone
- To determine the risk of individual’s broken bones (fractures)
- To confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
- To monitor osteoporosis treatment
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is axial tomography technique best used for estimating forearm density?
- What are the causes on an individual's bone density decrease?
- What are the risks involved in individual’s broken bones (fractures)?
- What do you understand by diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant impact of axial tomography technique for estimating forearm density
- H1: There is significant impact of axial tomography technique for estimating forearm density
1.7 Significance of Study
Forearm Density for the assessment of local bone loss may demonstrate benefit in screening for those at risk for distal radial fractures and facilitate the early identification of patients who require intervention for osteoporosis. This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the Evaluation of Forearm Density with Axial Tomorgraphy in Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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