individuals with a history of eating disorders.when androgen deprivation therapy is being planned for prostate cancer.individuals being monitored to assess the response or efficacy of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy.individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism.individuals receiving, or planning to receive, long-term glucocorticoid ( steroid) therapy.individuals with vertebral abnormalities.previous bone fracture from minor trauma.The risk factors for low bone density and primary considerations for a bone density test include: 6.1 Genetic Diseases Associated with Bone Mineral Densityīone density tests are not recommended for people without risk factors for weak bones, which is more likely to result in unnecessary treatment rather than discovery of a true problem.Bone density measurements are used to screen people for osteoporosis risk and to identify those who might benefit from measures to improve bone strength. Fractures of the legs and pelvis due to falls are a significant public health problem, especially in elderly women, leading to much medical cost, inability to live independently and even risk of death. There is a statistical association between poor bone density and higher probability of fracture. The forearm may be scanned if the hip and lumbar spine are not accessible. Measurements are most commonly made over the lumbar spine and over the upper part of the hip. The measurement is painless and non-invasive and involves low radiation exposure. It is measured by a procedure called densitometry, often performed in the radiology or nuclear medicine departments of hospitals or clinics. Bone density measurement is used in clinical medicine as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk. 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. This pain-free medical test helps to detect osteoporosis and assess your risk of future bone fractures.A scanner used to measure bone density using dual energy X-ray absorptiometryīone density, or bone mineral density, is the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue. Not recommended during pregnancy due to exposure of the baby to radiation.īone mineral density testing measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in a particular area of bone. The BMD test is generally safe, but involves possible risks and complications. A Z-score of less than minus 1.5 raises concern of osteoporosis due to factors other than aging. A normal T-score is greater than minus 1 (-1), whereas a T-score of minus 1 to minus 2.5 indicates osteopenia, and a score of minus 2.5 or less indicates osteoporosis.Ī Z-score compares your results to other individuals of the same age, weight, ethnicity, and gender. A negative value is an indication of thinner bones with low BMD, and a positive value is an indication of stronger bones. Your T-score will be your BMD compared to the average score of a healthy 30-year-old. Results of a BMD test are reported in two ways as T-scores and as Z-scores. Ideally, it is best to test the same bones (preferably, hip and spine bones) each time with the same BMD technique to achieve reliable results. A DPA scan can take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete the test. The DEXA technique used to scan the hip and lower spine will take about 20 minutes. After the bones are scanned by the machine, the amount of radiation absorbed will be measured. The radiologist will pass a scanner over your body to take X-rays of the bones. You will lie on your back on a padded table. The BMD scan is conducted in a special radiology department. Further testing is required to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis. It is often used on the heels as a screening test at health fairs. Ultrasound uses sound waves to measure BMD and is a quick and painless procedure without the use of radiation. P-DEXA is a portable device which gives faster results than DEXA.ĭual photon absorptiometry or DPA uses low dose radiation to measure BMD in the hip and spine region. Peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or P-DEXA is a type of DEXA test used to measure BMD in the wrist and forearm or legs. It is the most accurate method of measuring BMD. Long term consumption of corticosteroids.ĭifferent techniques of measuring BMD include:ĭual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA uses two different low dose X-ray beams to estimate BMD in the hip and spine region. Younger women with increased risk of osteoporosis. This test helps in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, a silent disease that thins and weakens bone and increases the risk of fractures.īone mineral density testing is recommended for the following individuals: A bone mineral density or BMD test uses special low dose X-ray to measure the density of calcium and other minerals in your bones to assess bone strength.
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