What Is the Average Density of Bone?

Doctors use bone density to determine if you have osteoporosis or if you are in danger of fracturing a bone if you fall. Bone-density tests are particularly useful for detecting these risks in seniors and starting treatment before the problems get worse.

BMD

• A bone-mineral density (BMD) test is much like an X-ray. It measures the bone density at your hip and spine. It is painless and exposes you to less radiation than an X-ray.

Values

• A value of zero is the bone density of an average, healthy, 32-year-old male. Each bone density is measured as a plus or minus relative to this value.

Normal

• A normal bone density is a value of +1, 0, or -1. Values lower than that can be measured against a Fracture Risk Assessment table to predict your risk of a fracture.

Risk factors

• Bone density alone is not used to assess the probability of a related condition. Other risk factors are considered--for example, smoking, a previous fracture, family history of low bone density, low-calcium diet or excessive use of alcohol.

Prevention

• Eat calcium-rich or fortified foods. Get enough vitamin D, which is essential to calcium absorption. Perform weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or climbing stairs. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as both can harm bone density.