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OsteoporosisConnection.com

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Monday, October, 19, 2009

Bone Density Scan

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DEXA and Bone Density Tests vs. Bone Density Scans

By Neil Gonter, MD Health Expert

What is a Bone Density Test? How does the doctor choose where to scan you (wrist, ankle, hip)?  What is the difference between this and a bone scan?

 

What is a Bone Density Test?

 

A bone density test is an examination by either special x-rays or ultrasound to determine how much bone mineral content (calcium and other minerals) is present in any section of bone.  The higher the mineral content, the denser the bone.  This is one of the ways to determine the risk of fracture. 

 

What are ...

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Expert & Community Posts

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Another Country, Same Problems Diagnosing Osteoporosis
By Lila de Tantillo , Health Expert

...numbers of those who do break bones are referred for bone density scans (the first step in... Read more »

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Osteoporosis Warning Sign?
By Lila de Tantillo , Health Expert

...Though I'm still a couple decades away from taking a bone density scan (I hope!), I had a... Read more »

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osteoporosis "hype"
By Lila de Tantillo , Health Expert

I'm not sure who else spotted the recent Women's Enews commentary last week, "Let's Make May the... Read more »

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About a Bisphosphonate Vacation
By Lila de Tantillo , Health Expert

...user, hopefully you have already been undergoing bone density scanning (DXA) on a regular basis.... Read more »

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Who Should Be Tested for Osteoporosis? And at What Age?
By Neil Gonter, MD , Health Expert

Reader's Question: I am a 51 year old white female. My mother broke her hip in her 60's and I am... Read more »

Health Guide

Bone mineral density test
...tests. Woman under 65 with additional risk factors for osteoporosis may also be screened. Simple bone density scans using portable machines may be available as part of health fairs or... Read more »
Osteoporosis: Diagnosis
...density are generally given as the average concentrations of calcium in areas that are scanned. A bone density scan measures the density of bone in a person. The lower the density of a bone the... Read more »
Prostate Cancer: Tests to Determine Severity of Cancer
Tests to Determine Severity of CancerPSA Levels and VelocityOnce cancer is diagnosed, PSA levels may help to determine its extent. If PSA levels are less than 20 ng/mL, it is possible that the cancer... Read more »
Parkinson's Disease: Highlights
Drug ApprovalIn 2006, the FDA approved rasagiline (Azilect) for treatment of Parkinsons disease (PD). Rasagilineis used either alone or in combination with levodopa. It is taken once a day... Read more »
Eating Disorders: Complications of Anorexia
of AnorexiaAnorexia nervosa is a very serious illness that has a wide range of effects on the body and mind. It is also associated with other problems, ranging from frequent flus and... Read more »

Images

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Bone density scan

Learn about how doctors measure bone density.... Read more »

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