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Osteoporosis Tests Diagnosis

Osteoporosis is a debilitating condition where bones lose density, or mass, and become brittle and subject to fracture. Generally, the condition is caused by a lack of calcium or phosphorous in the bones, and that can be due to either a lack of those minerals in the diet or an inability of the body to properly utilize them. There are several tests that can be done to diagnose osteoporosis.

  1. Quantitative Computed Tomography

    • Quantitative computed tomography, or QCT Scan, has been around since the 1970s. There are other more prominent methods for diagnosing osteoporosis, but the QCT is still in use as a form of bone-density scanning.

    Ultrasound

    • An ultrasound test for osteoporosis can be beneficial not only in diagnosing the problem but also in predicting risk factors. According to a study published in the 2008 issue of Radiology, two groups of women were given a heel-bone quantitative ultrasound. A prediction was made based on that ultrasound of high or low risk in those to have no history of osteoporosis. The results showed that the ultrasound was successful in predicting future cases of osteoporosis and those who came out as at high risk were moved along to more progressive testing.

    Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

    • Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a big name for an X-ray that measures the density of bones in your hips, wrist and spine. These are the areas that are most commonly affected by osteoporosis. The test is relatively simple and gives the doctor a highly accurate reading of bone densities. It can also be repeated over time to track the progression of the disorder.

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