Bone Density Testing

Bone Density Testing or Bone Mass Measurement is a non-invasive medical procedure used to determine bone density or strength.

The testing is primarily aimed at people who have a risk factor for osteoporosis, a vertebral deformity or osteopenia (decreased bone density), people who have had a previous fracture or those who are post-menopausal and concerned about osteoporosis.

Importantly, bone density testing can identify osteopenia or osteoporosis and the risk of future fractures. In fact, a bone density test is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.  

The test tells you if you have normal bone density, low bone density or osteoporosis.

The lower your bone density, the greater your risk of breaking a bone. So a bone density test can help you and your healthcare provider learn if you have weak bones or osteoporosis before you break a bone and also predict your chance of breaking a bone in the future.

A test can also see if your bone density is improving, getting worse or staying the same. It can also find out how well an osteoporosis medicine is working and let you know if you have osteoporosis after you break a bone.

A bone density test is recommended for women 65 or older, men 70 or older, if you break a bone after age 50, menopausal women with risk factors, postmenopausal women under the age of 65 with risk factors, and men aged 50-69 with risk factors.