Challenges and opportunities for quality densitometry in Latin America

Latin America and the Caribbean region account for 8% of the world’s total population. Experts from 18 countries were invited to contribute to this article to provide the best available data on the number, types, and quality of densitometry, DXA experts, the local/national incidence and prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and other uses and information on the challenges and opportunities for quality densitometry with examples of local initiatives. Osteoporosis is the primary reason for densitometry in our region, which is not a priority for public health in most countries. Access and quality are major challenges, and there is a clear trend to concentrate on densitometry services in the largest cities. Urgent action is needed to face the rapidly increasing burden of osteoporosis in our region, including robust and up to date epidemiology, access to health professionals, and quality densitometry. Health professionals require better access to training, courses, and other activities at a more local or regional level.