Bone density
The testing can then be performed in a hospital or radiology clinic that has the equipment to do a bone density scan. Many bone density scans require a prescription or a referral from your doctor. It is important to talk to your doctor who can help determine if bone density testing is right for you. In people who have already been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, repeat bone density tests may be used to monitor the status of their bones and check to see whether treatments are having an effect on their bone health. In these cases, testing can help determine if weakened bones contributed to the fracture and if a person is more vulnerable to additional broken bones in the future. However, bone density screening may be beneficial in males who have risk factors that make them more likely to have weak bones or osteoporosis.īone density testing may be appropriate as a diagnostic test in people who have suffered a fracture, especially after a relatively minor injury. Routine screening for osteoporosis in older males is not recommended by most medical experts. Insufficient intake of certain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D.Medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.Use of certain medications that can weaken bones.Body weight under 127 pounds or body mass index (BMI) under 21.Some factors that increase the risk of weakened bones include: The USPSTF also recommends screening in postmenopausal females younger than 65 years who are at an increased risk of bone loss or bone fractures. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for all females who are 65 and older because of their elevated risk of osteoporosis.
![bone density bone density](http://buyxraysonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/LATERAL-AND-FRONTAL-VIEW-OF-NORMAL-SKULL.png)
When should I get a bone density test?īone density testing may be appropriate in a number of situations to detect osteopenia or osteoporosis.Īs a screening test, bone density testing is recommended by the U.S. In most cases, the density is measured in only a few places, but scanning of the whole body may be performed in certain circumstances. The bones that are scanned in a bone density test can vary based on the purpose of testing.
Bone density software#
DXA machines have special computer software that uses the images to calculate bone density. These scans send a thin beam of low-dose x-rays through the bones being examined. The most common bone density test uses a technology called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA), so the test is frequently known as a DXA or DEXA scan. The bone density test measures the density or strength of your bones, which is also known as bone mineral density (BMD).
![bone density bone density](https://hdc1984.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bone-density.png)
In people who have osteopenia and osteoporosis, a bone density test can track their bone health and see whether treatment is working. Monitoring is observing how a person’s condition changes over time.
![bone density bone density](https://radsource.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/4a.jpg)
Bone density testing after a bone fracture can show whether a person has osteopenia or osteoporosis that makes them more prone to future broken bones. Sometimes the first sign of bone loss is a broken bone, even from a minor fall. These people may benefit from tests that can detect osteoporosis early and before it has caused symptoms.ĭiagnosis is testing to determine the cause of disease after a patient already has symptoms. Osteoporosis is more common in people who have certain risk factors. Screening refers to checking for disease when no signs or symptoms are present. Worsening osteopenia can become osteoporosis, a disease defined by brittle bones that are more likely to break. Osteopenia is a reduced amount of bone mass. The most common uses of bone density testing are to screen for, diagnose, and monitor health conditions involving weakened bones known as osteopenia and osteoporosis. The purpose of a bone density test is to determine whether you may be at an increased risk of bone fractures.