Bone Mineral Content and Osteoporosis

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To detect the presence of early osteoporosis, the mineral content of bone is measured. It helps predict sites at risk for fracture, and monitor the course of disease and response to therapy. Bone mineral content is the amount of bone mineral divided by the bone-scanned area. The size and density of skeletal bone and bone mineral content are interdependent. Difference in bone mineral content may reflect a different in either bone size or bone density. Small skeleton may results in a low bone mineral content.

The index BMC/bone area is commonly called bone mineral density (BMD),

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture risk. Those who achieve a higher peak bone mass are less at risk of suffering from osteoporotic fracture, later in life. Quantitative assessement of bone mineral content helps diagnosis the disease. Bone mineral density is the determinants of bone strength. By measuring bone mineral density, it is possible to predict the risk of fracture.

The amount of calcium in regions of bones is measured by bone mineral density. Methods for measuring bone mineral content are fast, non-invasive, painless and available on an outpatient basis.

Taking dual energy x-rays (DEXA) or CT scan (Osteo CT or QCT) of bones in the spinal column, wrist, arm or leg are methods of measuring bone mineral density. By comparing the numerical density of the bone with empirical (historical) data bases of bone density, it is possible to diagnose osteoporosis

Measuring Bone Mineral Density
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a widely accepted method of measuring bone mineral density. This method requires no injections, invasive procedures, sedation, special diet or any other advance preparation. It will take only few minutes to complete the exam.

Bone mineral content can be measured using ultrasound. This is a newly developed method. This method measures bone mineral content at the patient's heel. It is less expensive.

Different types of Bone Mineral Density Tests

• Ultrasound measures the heel
• DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measures the spine, hip or total body
• SXA (single Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measures the wrist or heel
• PDXA (Peripheral Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measures the wrist, heel or finger
• 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
• QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography) measures spine or hip

Who needs Bone Mineral Density Measurements?

• Post-menopausal women with at least one additional risk factor (other than menopause).
• All women older than 65 regardless of risk factors.
• Post-menopausal women who present with fractures.
• Women considering therapy for osteoporosis, if bone mineral density (BMD) testing would affect the decision.
• Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for prolonged periods of time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.