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What
is Osteoporosis?
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made in a
person who has a fragility fracture. It can also
be made by a bone density test. Currently, there
are several different techniques available to
measure bone density. The most complete and accurate
method is DEXA (dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry),
which is best for both diagnosing osteoporosis
and assessing response to treatment. DEXA is a
quick (10 to 15 minutes) and painless test that
uses minute amounts of radiation (less than dental
X-rays) and is generally done on the spine and
hip (axial) or forearm and heel (peripheral).
A newer method, ultrasound bone density of theheel,
is even quicker and less expensive, but it is
generally accepted as only a screening tool. Usually,
patients who are found to have osteoporosis by
heel ultrasound eventually go on to have DEXA
of the spine and hip.
Bone density tests can diagnose osteoporosis when
the condition is asymptomatic and mild and can
help lead to treatment that will prevent the condition
from getting worse. In people with loss of height
or suspicious fractures, bone density tests not
only confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis, they
also serve as a baseline for treatment and can
be used to follow the response to therapy.
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