The best method for diagnosing osteoporosis is a bone density test, commonly known as a “bone mineral density test” or “BMD test.” The rapid and painless examination assesses bone mass, typically in the hip and lumbar spine. Every few years, a lot of people undergo a bone density exam. The primary goal of the test is to identify and address significant bone loss.
Doctors utilize bone density tests to determine how strong your bones are. These examinations can reveal whether you have a low bone mass and may be at risk of osteoporosis. Continue reading to discover more about the various bone density tests and how they perform.
Bone Density Scan
You can identify how strong your bones are by getting a bone-density test. A bone density test exposes you to a small quantity of radiation. However, the negative effects of radiation can build up, so it is advisable to avoid it if possible. Bone density testing come in many different forms.
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DEXA Scan
The dual-energy X-ray absorption scan is the standard method for calculating bone density (termed a DEXA scan or DXA scan). Low energy X-rays are used during the test to penetrate a bone, most frequently the lower spine and hips. The findings of the DEXA scan will show if a person has osteoporosis, low bone mass, or normal bone density. The only bone density test that can both diagnose osteoporosis and monitor changes in bone density over time is this one.
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Quantitative computerized tomography
This particular type of computed tomography (CT) provides accurate measurements of spine bone density. Although this test may be an alternative to DXA, it is rarely performed due to its high cost and radiation dose.
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Ultrasonography
The density of the bone in the heel can be measured using ultrasound. This could be helpful in figuring out a person’s risk of fracture. However, it is used less frequently than DXA since there are no standards that use ultrasound measurements to diagnose osteoporosis or predict fracture risk. In situations where DXA is unavailable, ultrasonography is an appropriate method of measuring bone density.
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Peripheral DXA (pDXA)
Another form of DXA test is this one. The tibia (shin bone) and radius are two distal bones whose bone density can be measured by a DXA test (a bone in the forearm).
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Peripheral QCT
A CT scanner is used to measure the bone density of the distal bones in this examination.
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Quantitative ultrasound (QUS)
The bone density of some distal bones, such as the tibia, radius, and calcaneus, can be determined with this type of test (heel bone). Images are not created using radiation.
Bone Density Scan Results
Bone Density Score ‘T or Z’ is used to express the results of a bone density test. T-scores are numbers that compare the state of your bones to those of a young adult with typical bone health. Instead, Z-scores are statistics that indicate how well your bones are doing compared to the average person your age. The T-score is typically the more significant of these two figures. T-scores are typically in the minus or negative range. The risk of fracture increases with bone density T-score. The cost for a bone density test usually ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 6000 but that may depend on labs & Locations.
Conclusion
Bone density testing help doctors in recognizing bone loss in patients who might otherwise be symptoms. The tests are also helpful for checking the results of prescribed medications to treat bone disorders. After a few years, you may require a follow-up bone density test.
If the results are normal, the patient is fit and healthy and has the necessary amount of bone density. However, if the result indicates excessive levels of bone loss, the doctor may suggest the patient undergo additional tests to obtain a clear picture of the source of the bone density problem, as the bone density test can only assess the amount of bone mass loss and cannot discover or tell a specific cause of the problem. In order to discover your bone density, have a scan performed at the top-best orthopedic hospital.
