What is a Bone Mineral Density Test



What is a Bone Mineral Density Test?

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests measure bone densities in different areas of the body. Bone density tests can determine whether you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis or fracture. BMD tests are safe, quick, non-invasive and painless.

The following devices are used to screen for osteoporosis:

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) measures your hip, spine, or total body. These tests are considered the “gold standard” in measuring your bone health. The DXA or DEXA test is a highly sensitive scan using x-ray, and is more comprehensive than the peripheral machines. Therefore, results are more accurate. The test does, however, emit radiation, although your exposure during a bone density test is usually only about one-tenth of the amount emitted during a chest x-ray. The test is easy to take. You lie down and the machine scans over your body in just a few minutes.

Ultrasound is generally used as an initial screening test. If results from an ultrasound test indicate that bone density is low, DEXA is recommended to confirm the results. Ultrasound uses sound waves to determine bone stiffness index, usually in your heel. Ultrasound is rapid, painless, and does not use potentially harmful radiation like x-rays. One disadvantage of ultrasound is that it cannot measure the density of the bones most likely to fracture from osteoporosis (the hip and spine) and it is limited at monitoring and comparing the effects of medications used to treat osteoporosis.

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After the BMD test, you will receive two scores, a T-score and a Z-score.

What Do My Scores Mean?

T-score: Your T-score compares your bone density to the average bone density that is expected for a healthy, young person. This score is a reflection of age-related bone loss. The T-score can be used to determine fracture risk.

Z-score: Your Z-score compares your bone density to the average bone density that is expected for a person your age. This score can help to determine whether factors other than aging are causing bone loss. However, the Z-score is not used to determine fracture risk.

Both scores, your T-score and Z-score, are expressed in standard deviations (SD).

The following table can be used to help you understand what your BMD test results mean. This table is based only on your T-score since Z-scores cannot be used to determine risk.

|NORMAL |BMD is not more than -1 SD |

| |below the average peak bone |

| |mass of a young person |

| |(30-45 years old) |

|OSTEOPENIA |BMD is between 1 and 2.5 SD |

| |below normal (between -1 and |

| |-2.5) |

|OSTEOPOROSIS |BMD is greater than 2.5 SD |

| |below normal (-2.5) and there |

| |have been no fractures |

|SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS |BMD greater than 2.5 SD below |

| |normal (-2.5) with existing |

| |fractures |

How Can I Learn More?

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Telephone: (202) 223-2226

Website:

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center

Telephone: (800)-624-BONE

Website:

Building

Strong Bones

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For Life

What You Need To Know About

OSTEOPOROSIS

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, or "porous bones" is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. If not prevented or treated properly, osteoporosis may eventually lead to fractures, or broken bones. Any bone can be affected, but the wrist, spine, and hip are the most common fracture sites. Osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease" since a person might not notice any symptoms until they suffer a fracture.

While osteoporosis is often due to the normal aging process, it can also be caused by medical problems or certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants.

Who is Affected by Osteoporosis?

Currently in the U.S., about 10 million people already have osteoporosis and 34 million people have low bone mass.

Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis; however, men can also have osteoporosis.

While osteoporosis is often viewed as a disease of the elderly, it can occur at any age, in any race, and in both men and women.

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What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

In the early stages, bone loss occurs without any noticeable signs or symptoms. However, once a person's bones become weakened by osteoporosis, they may experience the following symptoms:

• Bone Pain

• Loss of Height Over Time

• Stooped Posture

• Fracture of the Spine, Hip, Wrist, or Other Bones

What are the Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?

• Female

• Going Through or Being Past Menopause

• Increased Age

• Caucasian or Asian

• Small Body Frame or Low Body Weight

• Diet Low in Calcium or Vitamin D

• Inactive Lifestyle

• Excessive Alcohol Intake

• Tobacco Use

• Personal and Family History of Fractures

• Certain Medical Conditions Such as Anorexia Nervosa

• Certain Medications Such As Glucocorticoids and Anticonvulsants

How Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented?

Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and making healthy lifestyle decisions will help to greatly decrease your risk for osteoporosis.

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Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

(See accompanying table for more details)

Calcium: 1000-1500mg daily from dairy products, vegetables, and/or supplements.

• The body loses calcium each day and cannot make its own. So when the body is low on calcium, it is taken from the bones.

• Calcium, whether from the diet or supplements, is best absorbed when taken several times a day in amounts of 500mg or less.

• Most calcium supplements, with the exception of calcium citrate, are better absorbed if taken with food.

Vitamin D: 400-800 IU of Vitamin D daily is necessary for calcium absorption. It can be obtained from sun exposure, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish, and/or supplements.

Perform weight-bearing exercises on a regular basis.

• Walking

• Jogging

• Dancing

• Hiking

• Weight Lifting

Quit smoking.

Limit intake of alcohol and caffeinated products.

How is Osteoporosis Treated?

There are a number of prescription medications that are approved for the treatment and/or prevention of osteoporosis:

• calcitonin (Miacalcin(, Fortical()

• raloxifene (Evista()

• teriparatide (Forteo()

• alendronate (Fosamax(,

Fosamax Plus D()

• risedronate (Actonel(,

Actonel( with Calcium)

• ibandronate (Boniva()

• zoledronic acid (Reclast()

• denosumab (Prolia()

Talk with your physician or pharmacist to determine your specific needs, and to decide which treatment options, if any, are appropriate for you.

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