What is Bone Density and Who needs Bone Density Test?

Bone density or bone mass is the amount of bone present in your skeletal structure. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone mass becomes less and bones become so weak that they can break easily. Earlier osteoporosis could only be detected after you had a fracture. But now a days it can be determined in its early stages with the help of bone density test. Bone density test also called as densitometry is carried out to determine whether you have osteoporosis or are at a risk of developing it.

Bone density test is performed on the bones, which are most likely to break because of osteoporosis. The bones that are most likely to break include lower spine, arms, wrists and neck. Bone density tests are simple, fast and painless. There are some simple versions of bone density tests, which can be performed even at a nearer medical store.

Bone density test uses special X-Rays to measure the thickness and strength of the bones and the amount of calcium and other bone minerals (bone mineral content) present in the bone segment. When the bone mineral content is higher, denser and stronger are the bones. Stronger the bones they are less likely to break. Thus with the help of bone density test (by knowing the bone mineral content and thickness) it can be easily determined whether you have or are at a risk of developing osteoporosis.

The equipments used for determining bone density in bone density test include:

SXA or DEXA Scan (Single or Dual-Energy X-Ray Scan): SXA or DEXA scans are used to measure bone density of your spine or hip. This is the most preferred bone density test for determining osteoporosis as it gives accurate results. A person is laid on a padded platform and an imager (arm-like device) is passed over him without touching him. SXA or DEXA scans emit certain amount of radiation. This bone density test requires 5 to 10 minutes for completion.

QCT Scan (Quantitative Computerized Tomography Scan): This bone density test uses computer software along with a CT scanner to measure bone density of your spine. This bone density test provides detailed, 3-D images of the bones. A person is laid on a movable table and taken into a large tube-like area, a place where the images are removed. QCT scans emit more radiation compared to SXA or DEXA scans. This bone density test requires less than 10 minutes for completion.

SXA or DEXA scans are preferred to QCT scans. The reason is that they are cost effective and emit less radiation than QCT scans which are costly and emit more radiation.

Who needs Bone Density Test?

There are many risk factors associated with osteoporosis. Therefore if you come under any one of the following categories it is must for you to carry out bone density test.

• All the women of the age 65 and above should have bone density test regardless of additional risk factors
• All postmenopausal women between the age group 50 to 65 years should have bone density test
• A person having history of fractures should have bone density test
• Family history of osteoporosis
• A person who has poor health and low body weight should undergo bone density test
• People who smoke and drink frequently should undergo bone density test
• People who have calcium and vitamin D deficiency should have bone density test