Overview
Bone Quality and Health Centre (BQHC) was officially established in 2009 as a major initiative of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. BQHC serves as a well-equipped centre and platform, featuring state-of-the-art clinical and laboratory densitometry equipment as well as functional testing devices. The Centre provides comprehensive technical support in assessing bone quality and muscle health for patients at risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Our Mission
To facilitate multidisciplinary pre-clinical and clinical research in bone health, muscle health, and related musculoskeletal disorders across all age groups — from children and adolescents to the elderly. We aim to provide high-quality assessments and expert advice for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and related conditions, particularly for patients diagnosed with or at risk of these disorders.
Centre Structure
Facilities
Clinical bone densitometers
Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
DXA is a non-invasive imaging technique primarily used to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral density. It also enables vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) to detect silent spinal fractures and supports the evaluation of sarcopenia by estimating lean muscle mass. DXA provides critical insights into bone and muscle health, aiding early intervention and treatment planning.
 Hologic DXA ( Model: Horizon A)
 Hologic DXA (Model: Horizon W)
 Lumbar Spine
 Proximal Femur
 Lateral spine
 Whole body scan
High-resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT)
HR-pQCT offers low-radiation, high-resolution 3D imaging of bone microarchitecture in vivo. It enables precise measurement of trabecular and cortical bone structure at peripheral sites, namely distal radius and tibia. Using finite element analysis (FEA), HR-pQCT can also estimate bone strength, supporting advanced research and clinical assessment of skeletal health.
 Scanco Medical AG (XtremeCT II)
 Scanco Medical AG (XtremeCT I)
Laboratory bone densitometers
MicroCT
VivaCT
Functional testing machines
Biodex Balance System SD |
Dynamometer |
Bioimpedance Analyzer |
Biodex Balance System SD evaluates and trains balance using a dynamic platform with adjustable stability levels. It delivers objective data and real-time biofeedback for rehabilitation, fall-risk screening, and athletic performance, helping enhance postural control and neuromuscular coordination effectively. |
Hand dynamometer is a portable device used to measure grip strength, providing a reliable indicator of overall muscle function. It is widely used in clinical assessments, rehabilitation, and research to evaluate hand and forearm strength and monitor progress over time. |
Body composition analyzer that provides detailed measurements of body fat, muscle mass, water balance, and metabolic rate. It supports clinical assessments, fitness tracking, and early detection of conditions such as sarcopenia and obesity. |
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Research
Our Centre provides comprehensive technical support for both pre-clinical and clinical research, including study design, scanning protocol development, and data analysis. We work closely with investigators to ensure high-quality, reliable outcomes.
Beyond supporting external projects, we lead large-scale cohort studies to establish a Hong Kong-specific HR-pQCT reference database. These initiatives monitor the incidence of fragility fractures and develop predictive models using HR-pQCT data, enhancing early detection and prevention strategies in bone health research.
List of collaborators:
Theme |
Collaborative Partners |
Children and Adolescent Bone Health |
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Melbourne University, Australia
- Spine Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imagining, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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Secondary osteoporosis |
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
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Aging |
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China
- Astronaut Center of China (Beijing)
- Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen)
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imagining, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Division of Geriatric, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University
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Services
Clinical service – DXA scan and Clinical Trials
Leaflet for DXA scanning service (in Chinese)
Osteoporosis is a common condition in older adults, increasing the risk of fragility fractures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
Our centre offers DXA scanning services for high-risk individuals by doctor referral only. A comprehensive bone mineral density report is issued to both the patient and the referring physician.
Beyond routine DXA assessments, our experienced and certified staff conduct clinical trials in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
Laboratory service – sample/animal scanning
We provide in vitro and in vivo scanning services for specimens and biopsies using laboratory bone densitometry.
Health Education
http://bonehealth.ort.cuhk.edu.hk/index
A website delivering useful information on bone health and Vitamin D with multimedia materials and interactive on-line game and dietary calcium calculator. The website is suitable for all age group.
Accreditation
Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015)
Our Centre is certified under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. This accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality services to both patients and research participants. This accreditation ensures that we maintain high standards in patient care and research support, while promoting a well-structured management system and cost-effective daily operations.
International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) Certification
Technicians and Clinicians of our team are Certified Bone Densitometry Technologists (CBDT) and Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD)
Contact
Bone Quality and Health Centre
Room 14, 1/F Li Ka Shing Specialist Clinic (North Wing)
Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin
Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 3505 3313
Fax: (852) 3505 4618
Email: bmd@ort.cuhk.edu.hk
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