Bone Densitometry Department Bone density exams require no prep

Why should I have a Bone Densitometry Test?

As we grow from childhood to young adults, our bones grow in strength and in size. Like the other organs in our body, the bones change as well. Around the age of 30 our bones reach their peak strength and then naturally become weaker with age. Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which the amount of bone is decreased and the strength of the bone is reduced. Bones become weak to the point of breaking. Symptoms of osteoporosis do not occur until a lot of bone strength is lost. The most visible symptoms may include loss of height along with curvature of the upper back. Osteoporosis can result in painful fractures, occurring most often in the hip, back or wrist.

Who is at risk?

Everyone, both men and women, loses bone strength as they grow older. Women are at higher risk because of their smaller thinner frames. Women are also affected after menopause. Less estrogen is produced, which is what helps protect women against bone loss. Important risk factors for osteoporosis include:

- Female
- Caucasian
- Advanced age
- History of bone fracture
- A small thin frame
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Removal of the ovaries
- Early menopause
- A low calcium diet
- Lack of exercise
- Eating disorders
- Certain medicines such as steroids or anticonvulsants
- Alcohol and tobacco use

How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease”. A medical test using a bone densitometer measures the amount of bone in the body. The amount of bone mineral in the bone relates directly to the strength of the bone. The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-rays to measure the amount of bone mineral. Scans are generally done of the spine and hip. By computer analysis, we are able to determine what your bone mineral density (BMD) value is. The spine and hip are the most accurate area for assessment because they are weight bearing, and that is where most fractures occur.

Is the test safe?

The x-ray dose from the bone densitometry test is comparable to the naturally occurring radiation you are exposed to in one week. Please inform the technologist if you are or might be pregnant.

What should I expect?

The test is painless and typically takes no more than 10 minutes. In most cases you can remain in your own clothing. You will be asked to remove belt buckles, metal or thick plastic buttons and metal jewelry from the area being scanned. You will then be asked to lie on your back on the padded table. The technologist will position your arms and legs, you just need to lie still and breathe normally.

Are there other tests?

Bone densitometers provide information about fracture risk with an x-ray measurement of the spine,femur and total body. Other tests use ultrasound to measure the status of the bone. Biochemical tests may be used for additional information in some cases.

What information will this test give my doctor?

A bone densitometry test is an aid to doctors in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The test compares your bone mineral density (BMD) to that of a “young adult” at peak bone strength. It also compares your results to people of your same age, called “age-matched”. This information, along with other factors, helps doctors gauge your risk of osteoporotic fracture. The difference between your result and that of a “young adult” is given as a T-score. A panel of experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed categories that define the amount of bone loss:

Normal: a T-score that is above -1
Osteopenic: a T-score between -1 and -2.5 (Low bone density)
Osteoporosis: a T-score below -2.5
Your T-score is one factor that your doctor will consider in making a diagnosis.

 

What is Fracture risk?

The bone densitometry test provides information about your own risk of bone fracture in the same way a cholesterol test indicates risk of a heart attack. A diagnosis of osteoporosis cannot predict a bone fracture. It means that the risk of having a fracture is higher than that for normal ones. Your test combined with other factors give your overall risk of fracture. Knowing your risk of fracture is important so you can take steps to prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fracture. Your doctor may suggest a number of steps including exercise, changes in diet, hormone therapy or other medicines known to build bone strength.

Where can I get more information about bone measurements and osteoporosis?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is one of the leading sources of information about osteoporosis and bone measurements. The NOF recommends women have a bone density test if they meet the following criteria

The NOF recommends treatment if:

Contact the NOF at:

National Osteoporosis Foundation
1150 17th St. N.W., suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20036-4603
(202) 223-2226

Bone density exams require no prep