Diagnostic Testing For Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system. Bone mass and density is decreased putting those who suffer from the condition at an increased risk and causes higher instances of fractures. Besides the pain associated with these fractures and the morbidity and mortality rate associated with them come other challenges. There is no known cause for osteoporosis and there is no cure. Because of these reasons it is important to know the risk factors and how they apply. Osteoporosis is believed to be preventable so it is never to early to take precautionary measures, Most of which have to do with lifestyle since there are several factors which are uncontrollable. Those who know or believe to be at risk may want to discuss their options with a doctor and may undergo diagnostic screening.

A doctor may order a bone mass, or BMD test. These types of tests measure bone density in the spine, hip and wrist, the most common sites of osteoporosis related fracture. Nowadays bone density tests can also measure bone density in the heel, shinbone or even middle finger. Bone density is then compared to two different standards.

There are several types of machines that perform these tests using densitometry. They are usually categorized as central which measures the hip spine and total body and peripheral measures density in a localized area such as the finger, wrist, kneecap, shin bone and heel. These tests include DXA, p DXA, SXA, QUS, QCT, RA and rarely DPA, SPA.

DXA, Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measures bone density in the spine, hip or total body

pDXA, or Peripheral Dual Energy X ray measures the wrist, heel or finger

SXA Single Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measures the wrist or heel

QUS Quantitative Ultrasound uses sound waves to measure density at the heel, shin bone and kneecap.

QCT Quantitative Computed Tomography usually measures the spine but can be used elsewhere

pQCT Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography measures the wrist

RA Radiographic Absorptiometry uses an X-ray of the hand and a small metal wedge to calculate bone density

DPA Dual Photon Absorptiometry measures the spine, hip or total body

SPA Single Photon Absorptiometry measures the wrist

Ultrasound technology is quickly emerging as an alternative to bone densitometry for some clinical applications. Traditional X ray, CT and MRI scans may also be used but they are not effective in early detection. Other methods of diagnosis may include self-assessment or history taking but level of accuracy then comes in to question. In some cases of oral bone damage, tissue sampling may be used. Studies are underway to develop urine and blood tests that may one day be used for screening. Researchers have already identified serum and biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption, which can identify patients with a high bone turnover, that of which often leads to rapid bone loss. With increased awareness of the disease and funding for research, new and better treatment and diagnostic methods are currently being developed and evaluated.

Recommended Reading

1. Diagnosis Of Osteoporosis
2. Dxa And Osteoporosis
3. Facts About Osteoporosis
4. Osteoporosis And Public Health
5. Osteoporosis In The Uk