Bone density measurement is a crucial diagnostic tool in identifying and treating bone-related diseases, particularly osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have low bone mass or osteoporosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent fractures and improve the quality of life.

Who should undergo bone density measurement?

Bone density measurement is recommended for individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis. This includes:.

Women over the age of 65
Men over the age of 70
Postmenopausal women under the age of 65 with risk factors for fracture, such as low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or a family history of osteoporosis.
Men aged 50 to 69 with risk factors for fracture, such as low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or a family history of osteoporosis.
Individuals with a history of fractures, especially those resulting from minor trauma.

In addition to the above, anyone with an increased risk of osteoporosis due to medical conditions or medications should also undergo bone density measurement. These medical conditions and medications include:.

Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Cushing’s syndrome
Chronic kidney disease
Organ transplant
Long-term use of steroids, such as prednisone
Depo-Provera birth control injections

When should bone density measurement be done?

There is no set recommendation for how frequently bone density measurement should be done. It depends on various factors, such as age, fracture risk, medication use, and medical conditions.

The decision to undergo bone density measurement should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Generally, individuals who undergo bone density measurement and are found to have normal bone density should have it repeated every 5 to 10 years.

Individuals who are found to have low bone density or osteoporosis should have more frequent testing, typically every 1 to 2 years.

How is bone density measurement done?

Bone density measurement is done using a test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA uses a very low dose of radiation to measure bone mineral density in the hip, spine, and forearm.

The test is painless and takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to complete.

During the test, the individual lies on a padded table while a large x-ray machine passes over the body.

The amount of radiation absorbed by the bones is measured and compared to the average bone density for a healthy young adult of the same sex and race.

What happens after bone density measurement?

After the bone density measurement, the results are compared to the average bone density for a healthy young adult of the same sex and race. The results are reported as a T-score.

A T-score of -1 and above is considered normal bone density, while a T-score between -1 and -2.5 is considered low bone density, or osteopenia. A T-score below -2.5 is considered osteoporosis.

If the bone density measurement shows low bone density or osteoporosis, the healthcare provider may order additional tests or prescribe medications to treat and prevent further bone loss.

Conclusion

Bone density measurement is a crucial diagnostic tool in identifying and treating bone-related diseases, particularly osteoporosis.

It is recommended for individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis, including women over the age of 65 and men over the age of 70. Individuals with an increased risk of osteoporosis due to medical conditions or medications should also undergo bone density measurement.

There is no set recommendation for how frequently bone density measurement should be done, but it should be discussed with a healthcare provider. The test is done using DEXA, which is painless and takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to complete.

After the test, the results are reported as a T-score, and if the bone density measurement shows low bone density or osteoporosis, additional tests or medications may be ordered.