Bone mineral density (BMD) tests can measure bone density in various sites of the body. BMD is an important determinant of fracture risk. BMD testing can:

• Determine if an individual has low bone density before a fracture occurs

• Determine if a patient’s bones are losing bone density or remaining the same when the test is repeated again

• Predict the probability that a person will have a fracture in the future

• Assist in determining if treatment is needed

View images of a normal bone and an osteoporotic bone, and natural stages of bone growth and loss as published by The National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Bone Mineral Density testing is not the only method used to diagnose osteoporosis.
The University of Sheffield's "FRAX" Scoring system allows an estimate of the risk of a fracture occurring in the next ten years. If this risk is more than 10%, osteoporosis is considered to be present.
Click here for FRAX calculator

Also, the occurrence of a fracture of any bone due to minimal trauma is considered diagnostic of osteoporosis; normal bone does not break so easily.

At the Osteoporosis Treatment Center we synthesize the results of BMD testing, of risk factor analysis, of Sheffield scoring and of your personal medical history to establish a correct diagnosis and the best treatment, if any, for each patient.

Osteoporosis can be treated and there are medications approved by the FDA to prevent and/or treat the disease:

• Alendronate and alendronate plus vitamin D3 (Fosamax® and Fosamax plus D™)

• Ibandronate (Boniva®)

• Risedronate and risedronate with calcium (Actonel® and Actonel® with Calcium)

• Zoledronic Acid (Reclast®)

• Calcitonin (Fortical® and Miacalcin®)

• Estrogen (multiple brand names available)

• Estrogen Agonists/Antagonists also known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) –Raloxifene (Evista®)

• Parathyroid Hormone –Teriparatide (Forteo®)

Download, print and complete our patient history form and bring it with you to your first appointment. This will provide us with answers on some of your medical history and conditions, necessary in a proper evaluation of your bone health.

Latest News: Bones and Orthopaedics