A bone density test, also called a DEXA scan, is performed to detect osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become very weak and break easily. A bone density test uses special X-rays that measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bone.
Significance
Small-boned and thin women, those of Southeast Asian decent and those over 65 years of age are at the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis and should be tested.
Height
Men and women who have shown a decrease in height should receive a scan. A decrease in height of 1 1/2 inches or more is a sure sign that a test is needed.
Fractures
Anyone with many fractures, stress fractures or broken bones should be tested. X-rays that show vertebrae compression also signal the need for testing.
Stooped or Humped Back
A noticable change in posture is a call for a bone denstity test. A person with osteoporosis may be stooped, have a humped back, and a slouched sitting and/or standing posture.
Diseases
Men and women who have or used to have the eating disorder anorexia nervosa should be tested, as should those with malabsorption, certain thyroid disease, liver disease, renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, amenorrhea, untreated premature menopause, Cushing's syndrome, prolonged used of heparin and anti-convulsants, and those who have had organ transplants.
BMD
Bone mineral density (BMD) is an excellent estimate of bone mass. The thicker the bone mass, the less chance there is of developing osteoporosis. A bone density test is non-invasive and painless.
Tags: bone density test, density test, should tested, bone density, bone mass
