Bone densitometry, also known as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, measures bone mineral density and can diagnose osteoporosis, a disease caused by calcium loss in bones. The test involves two X-rays and is recommended for those at risk of osteoporosis, including post-menopausal women, smokers, and those with certain medical conditions.
A bone densitometric scan is a test that is performed to measure the mineral density in the bone and to evaluate the loss of bone density. This test is used to diagnose osteoporosis, a bone condition that develops due to loss of calcium in the bones. Bone densitometry is also known as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or bone density scanning.
Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that most commonly develops in postmenopausal women, but can also develop in men. This bone disease develops when calcium and other minerals are absorbed from the bones, often as a result of calcium deficiency. People with this disease have a greatly increased risk of bone fractures. Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with bone densitometry, and the test can also be used to assess the risk of bone fracture for someone with this disease.
A bone densitometry test involves the use of X-ray equipment that can generate two X-rays instead of just one. Each beam emits X-rays of different energy levels, which help measure bone density more accurately. The person being tested lies down on an X-ray table during the test, and the X-rays measure the amount of energy absorbed by his or her bones. The amount of mineral in bone affects the extent of X-ray energy absorption, so the information generated in the test can be used to determine the extent of bone loss in the person being tested.
To determine if an individual has osteoporosis, their bone density measurements are compared to a baseline measurement called peak bone mass. This measurement is defined as the average bone density of young adults. A person is diagnosed with osteoporosis if their bone density measurement is any level below baseline. If the bone density measurement is between the baseline level and the level of osteoporosis diagnosis, the individual is diagnosed with osteopenia, or low bone mass. Those with osteopenia are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Bone densitometric scanning is recommended for people who have an increased risk of osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. Risk factors for osteoporosis include family history of osteoporosis; be a post-menopausal woman; to smoke; type 1 diabetes; thyroid disease; and the use of corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs, or barbiturates. For people with one or more risk factors, regular scans are a preventative measure to help people with osteoporosis or osteopenia reduce their risk of bone fracture.
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