Bone Density Scan

Osteoporosis and low bone mass affects an estimated 23.4 million Americans, the majority of whom are women. As a result, this population is at an increase risk for fractures, particularly of the hip and the spine. This disease has no symptoms until bones become brittle resulting in loss of strength or fracturing. Preventative therapy can be prescribed to slow or halt bone loss and, in some cases, reverse it. This screening test measures your bone mineral content for low density, which causes osteoporosis.

In order to understand the role of bone mineral density scanning, it is important to know a little about how osteoporosis occurs. Bone is constantly being remodeled. This is the natural, healthy state of continuous uptake of old bone (resorption) followed by the deposit of new bone. This turnover is important in keeping bones healthy and in repairing any minor damage that may occur with wear and tear. Osteoporosis occurs as a result of many different disease states or hormonal changes. It is also commonly a result of aging. In osteoporosis more bone is taken up than is laid down. The result is a thinning of the bone with an accompanying loss in bone strength and a greater risk of fracture. A thinning bone results in a lower bone density or bone mass.