A bone density test is a medical procedure performed to test the level of calcium and other vital minerals in your bone and assess your risk of osteoporosis. Your bone tends to become thin and incredibly weak as you age. The risk is higher in people diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Although anyone can develop this bone condition, women (above 65 years) are more prone to bone diseases. Low bone density also increases your risk of getting fractures easily. It’s, therefore, important to see an orthopedic doctor in Mumbai for a bone density test regularly.
Who Should Take Bone Mineral Density Test?
Your bone health deteriorates over time, making your bones porous and prone to damage even with minor falls. Men above 70 and all adult females (specifically, above 65 years) should take bone density tests at specific intervals. Regardless of your age, a bone joint doctor in Thane will recommend a bone density test if you meet one or all of the following conditions.
- A sudden drop in your hormone levels
- A history of fractured bones
- Height loss (1.5 inches or more)
- Women who have reached menopause or have a medical condition that increases their risk of bone loss.
- You experience persistent back pain
- You had an organ transplant surgery
- You are currently on prescription drugs that might affect your bone strength.
A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, kidney diseases, and eating disorders are a few things that increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
How Is It Performed?
A bone doctor will order an X-ray and radiation to get a proper calcium count in your bones. These tests determine the mineral content in your bones, giving you a clear picture of your bone strength.
The tests are pretty simple and there’s not much preparation needed. Your doctor will ask you to stop taking calcium supplements for a few days before the test. Wear light and comfy clothes and remove all metal items. It’s a non-invasive procedure, which takes 10-15 minutes (a little longer if you are considering a DEXA).
Results of Bone Mineral Density Test
Your bone density reports are compared with the BMT of a healthy adult to determine your bone strength. “T Score” is commonly used to evaluate your bone density. A T score higher than -1 is considered normal and healthy. A bone density between -1 to -2.5 is low. It shows an increased risk of osteoporosis. If it’s below -2.5, you have osteoporosis.
A Z score is used to compare the bone mass in your body with that of a healthy adult. If it’s below -2.0, you have considerably less bone mass than people your age. There’s no ideal time to get a bone density test. However, it’s advisable that you get it every 2 years (whether or not you have osteoporosis). That’s especially important for women above 65. Fortunately, the test is painless and requires no injection or any invasive procedure.
Talk to your knee doctor if you have had dental implants recently or are pregnant and breastfeeding before getting BMD.
More on Bone Health at: Boosting Your Bone Health To Avoid Injury! Keep your Bones Healthy 7 Tips To Help Keep Your Bones Strong
