How Osteoporosis Is Diagnosed

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in existence. The fractures seen with osteoporosis produce significant health issues and the economic burden to the health care system is incredibly high. The cornerstone of evaluation for osteoporosis is bone mineral density (BMD). It correlates well with fracture risk and allows doctors to not only determine if medication treatment is necessary but also the response to that treatment.

Initial methods of determining bone mineral density relied on standard x-rays and looking at trabecular bone patterns with grading. This turned out not to work well at all. This was in the 1950's timeframe and by the 1960's, single photon absorptiometry came into existence. Eventually this turned into dual photon absorptiometry, which was very good at differentiating bone from soft tissue.

The standard of care that has been developed for BMD is dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This technology differentiates between bone from soft tissue by evaluating photon beams that are transmitted through two different energy levels. As the beams travel through the various tissues, they become weakened differently.

A DXA measures bone mineral density along with area. The BMD is divided by the area, and that is converted to a T score. Performing serial testing allows one to determine BMD changes over time.

The World Health organization defines bone mineral densities according to this T score. A normal T score is equivalent to that of a "young normal" which is within one standard deviation of normal. If one's T score is between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations lower than these normal, the World Health Organization defines it as osteopenia. Anything above 2.5 standard deviations falls into the category of osteoporosis.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests that one should inititate medication treatment for those with a T score below 2.0. They have also published major risk factors in their treatment guidelines which include: Personal history of fracture, Family history of fracture, Current cigarette smoker, and weight less than 127 pounds.

They have also recommended the various groups that should be tested with DXA. They include: All women over age 65, Postmenopausal women with major risk factors, All people over age 50 who suffer an osteoporotic fracture and anyone taking long term corticosteroids. With regards to men, anyone over age 70 or experiencing a hypogonadal condition should be tested.

Depending on the T scores resulting from the repetitive DXA scans, treatment decisions can be adjusted consisting of anti-resorptive agents along with weight bearing exercise.

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How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

What are the methods for diagnosing this bone disease and what will your doctor recommend? These are very serious questions that might be weighing on your mind as you sit in the waiting room before you see your doctor. Below you will find some of the diagnostic procedures explained, and hopefully you will not feel as nervous about seeing your doctor.

To accurately receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis, four medical practices are involved. Diagnosis consists of a physical examination, laboratory tests, medical history and, lastly, though most revealing, a bone density test. Each part of the diagnosing process plays a role in measuring the disease's progression. This evaluation provides vital information about potential causes and the decreased amount of bone mass, as well as determining risks towards bone fractures.

So you will clearly understand each part of the diagnosing for osteoporosis process, the following informative research defines what is involved.

Your doctor will begin the diagnosis for possible osteoporosis by asking you a number of questions. These questions will be directed towards your daily diet, and what kind of activities you normally do throughout each day. Then, your doctor will talk with you about any medications, vitamins or supplements that you may be taking. Finally, your doctor will do a thorough physical examination. This completes the medical history and physical evaluation part of the diagnosis process.

At the laboratory, a lab technician will take a sample of your blood. Next, you will be asked to give a sample of your urine. Having given the samples, your visit to the lab, for the purpose of diagnosing osteoporosis, is done. From this point, it is time for the laboratory technicians to begin their tests.

Now you have arrived at the final part of your diagnosis for osteoporosis, which is radiology. At the radiology department, a technician will be taking sophisticated and specialized X-rays of targeted bones within your body. It is through the highly technical scanning within this advanced type of X-rays that will pinpoint any signs of osteoporosis.

Over the next few days, you will be waiting to learn the results from your being tested for osteoporosis. During this time, the medical technicians are conducting and reviewing your tests, in order to provide your doctor and you with a diagnosis. The diagnosis will prove whether or not you have, or are developing osteoporosis.

Make it a priority, as a maturing woman, to schedule an appointment with your doctor for osteoporosis diagnosing. Such testing can either ensure your physical well-being.

Do you have osteoporosis or do you think you might develop osteoporosis? Living an active and healthy lifestyle can help you with osteoporosis. Don't wait to help you body!

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