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Osteoporosis
Alternate Names : Thin Bones
 See all Pictures & Images
Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Tests
- Bone mineral density (BMD) testing -- as performed in dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) -- measures the demineralization of the bones. This has become the gold standard for evaluation for osteoporosis. BMD testing should be performed on all postmenopausal women with fractures, all women under 65 with an additional risk factor for osteoporosis (besides menopause), and all women 65 and over.
- A spine CT can show demineralization. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can evaluate bone density, but is less available and is more expensive than DEXA.
- A spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or vertebral collapse in severe cases.
- Measuring the amount of calcium in your urine can provide some evidence of increased bone turnover, but is of limited value. A number of newer tests to evaluate bone turnover are becoming available, including measurement of urinary N-telopeptide (Osteomark). In the future, these may enhance your physician's ability to diagnose early osteoporosis.
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• Definition
• Osteoporosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Osteoporosis Symptoms & Signs
• Osteoporosis Prevention
• Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Osteoporosis Treatment
• Osteoporosis Prognosis
• Osteoporosis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bulimia
• Cushing's Syndrome
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause
Tests & Exams
• Lumbosacral Spine CT
• Thoracic Spine X-Ray
Other Topics
• Back Pain - Low
• Bone Pain or Tenderness
• Broken Bone
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• Vitamin D
Review Date : 9/3/2003
Reviewed By : Donna R. Cooper, MD, MPH. Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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