Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA) is most commonly applied to which area of the body?

• A. The spine
• B. The pelvis
• C. The hands
• D. The legs

Answer: (C)

Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA) is primarily applied to the hands because this technique assesses bone density in small and peripheral skeletal sites. The hands offer a practical and effective area for examination, particularly because they are less dense than larger bones and thus allow for more accurate absorption measurements with lower radiation doses. This method is particularly useful in assessing osteopenia or osteoporosis at an early stage, as changes in bone density can be effectively detected in this region.

Additionally, the hands are convenient for patients since they are easy to position and perform scans with minimal discomfort. The use of RA in the hands can provide valuable information about bone health, often complementing other more common techniques, such as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), which is typically used in the lumbar spine and hip. Hence, the application of RA to the hands is well established and supported in clinical settings for assessing bone density.