Why is bone mineral density important?

Why is bone mineral density important?

Bone Density A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to measure your bone health. It compares your bone density, or mass, to that of a healthy person who is the same age and sex as you are. It can show: Whether you have osteoporosis, a disease that makes your bones weak.

What is osteoporosis and how is it related to bone density?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones).

What is bone mineral density in osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis. Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (−2.5 SD or lower). Severe (established) osteoporosis. Bone density is more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean, and there have been one or more osteoporotic fractures.

What does density do for osteoporosis?

If your bone density is low compared to normal peak density, you are said to have low bone density. Having low bone density means there is a greater risk that, as time passes, you may develop bone density that is very low compared to normal, known as osteoporosis.

What does a bone mineral density test show?

A bone density test determines if you 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.

How is a bone mineral density test performed?

During the test, you lie down on a padded platform, fully clothed. A machine arm passes above you, sending low-dose X-rays through your body. Based on how much the X-rays change after passing through your bones, it comes up with an image of your skeleton. This test lasts about 10 minutes.

What is a bone density test and how is it done?

When should you have a bone density test?

Women should get a bone scan at age 65. Men age 70 and up may want to talk with their doctors about the risks and benefits before deciding. Younger women, and men ages 50 to 69, should consider the test if they have risk factors for serious bone loss.

How is bone mineral density test done?

Bone density testing can be done in several ways. The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA uses low-dose x-rays. (You receive more radiation from a chest x-ray.)

What does a bone density test involve?

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.

How does a bone density scan work?

DXA works by sending two low-dose X-rays which are absorbed differently by bones and soft tissues. The density profiles from these X-rays are used to calculate bone mineral density. The lower the density, the greater the risk of fracture. DXA is painless and takes about 10 minutes.

What are the results of a bone density scan?

DXA Scan Results It shows how much higher or lower your bone density is than that of a healthy 30-year-old, the age when bones are at their strongest. The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia.

What is a bone mineral density test?

A bone mineral density (BMD) test can provide a snapshot of your bone health. The test can identify osteoporosis, deter-mine your risk for fractures (broken bones), and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized BMD test is called a central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,…

What is the BMD test used to diagnose osteoporosis?

The test can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures (broken bones), and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most commonly used BMD test is called a central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or central DXA test.

What is the normal bone density for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis: Bone density is 2.5 SDs or more below the young adult mean (less than -2.5 SD). Severe (established) osteoporosis: Bone density is more than 2.5 SDs below the young adult mean and one or more broken bones (osteoporotic fractures) has occurred.

What is the best way to prevent osteoporosis?

The image on the right shows normal bone density. Arrow indicates vertebral fractures. Building strong bones and reaching peak bone density (maximum strength and solidness), especially before the age of 30, can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis.