A bone density scan will not show whether low bone mineral density is caused by too little bone osteoporosis or too little calcium in the bone, usually because of a lack of vitamin D osteomalacia. Page last reviewed: 07 March Next review due: 07 March This makes it possible to diagnose osteoporosis in its early stages, before you break a bone.
This may include making lifestyle changes to help improve your bone health, such as: eating a healthy, balanced diet that's high in calcium spending more time in the sun to help increase your levels of vitamin D regularly doing weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or running When a bone density scan is recommended A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. Your risk is increased if you: have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density have been taking medicines called oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or more — glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammation, but can also cause weakened bones are a woman who has had an early menopause , or you had your ovaries removed at a young age before 45 and have not had hormone replacement therapy HRT are a postmenopausal woman and you smoke or drink heavily, have a family history of hip fractures , or a body mass index BMI of less than 21 are a woman and have large gaps between periods more than a year Limitations A DEXA scan is not the only way of measuring bone strength.
Interpreting the results of a bone density scan can sometimes be difficult. This measurement tells the healthcare provider whether there is decreased bone mass. This is a condition in which bones are more brittle and prone to break or fracture easily. A bone density test is used mainly to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is also used to determine your future fracture risk.
The testing procedure typically measures the bone density of the bones of the spine, lower arm, and hip. Portable testing may use the radius 1 of the 2 bones of the lower arm , wrist, fingers, or heel for testing, but is not as precise as the nonportable methods because only one bone site is tested.
Standard X-rays may show weakened bones. But at the point when bone weakness can be seen on standard X-rays, it may be too far advanced to treat. Bone densitometry testing can find decreasing bone density and strength at a much earlier stage when treatment can be beneficial. A bone density test determines the bone mineral density BMD. Your BMD is compared to 2 norms—healthy young adults your T-score and age-matched adults your Z-score.
First, your BMD result is compared with the BMD results from healthy to year-old adults of your same sex and ethnicity. This is the best way to prevent bone loss. A bone-density test gives out a small amount of radiation, but radiation exposure can add up. The effects can add up in your body over your life, so it is best to avoid it if you can. For women over 65 and men over 70, DEXA scans are only appropriate for those with moderate risk of fracture or when the results will change the patients care plan.
Younger women and men ages 50 to 69 should consider the test if they have risk factors for serious bone loss. Risk factors include:. You may need a follow-up bone-density test after several years, depending on the results of your first test.
The most common drugs to treat bone loss are Fosamax generic alendronate and Actonel generic risedronate. These drugs have benefits and risks to think about and discuss with your health care provider. Common side effects include upset stomach, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn.
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