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Diagnosis
Early detection
As osteoporosis progresses undetected until
a fracture occurs (at the wrist, hip or spine), early diagnosis
can make a difference in your life. You can protect your bones
if you act early.
Risk factor assessment is a first step in alerting
an individual to his or her risk of osteoporosis. The next step
is to go for more accurate tests for measuring bone mineral density
(BMD).
Bone mineral density
(BMD) testing
A BMD test can tell whether or not you have osteoporosis or how
likely you are to develop it in the future. There are several ways
of testing bone density, these tests are safe, painless and accurately
measure the strength of bones. Currently the most reliable and
accurate test is the DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry). It
usually measures bone density in the hip and the spine.. Another
commonly available testing option is ultrasound. The site most
commonly measured is the heel. All bone mineral tests measure the
amount of mineral in a specific area of bone.
T scores as a measurement of bone mass density - The DEXA gives
results as 2 scores: T score which compare your bone density with
that of an average adult of the same sex; and Z scores compares
your bone density with the average of people in your age group
and gender. The following classifies the degree of osteoporosis
in accordance with the definition given by World Health Organization:
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Diagnostic classification of
osteoporosis
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Risk of fracture and recommendations
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| Normal |
T scores below -1 |
Risk is low,keep up active lifestyle
and have good nutrition * |
| Low bone mass |
T score -1 to -2.5 |
Risk is low to moderate, get
medical advice to prevent bone loss * |
Osteoporosis |
T scores > -2.5 |
Moderate to very high risk of
fracture, get medical advice on the cause and treatment of
bone loss * |
| Severe osteoporosis |
T scores > -2.5 and with fractured bones |
Very high to extremely high
risk of fracture, get medical advice on treatment and prevention
of further fractures * |
* Individuals with high risks for osteoporosis should seek medical
advice on treatment and prevention. With the results of a bone
mass measurement, physicians can identify areas in the body with
low mass and determine the type of therapy to be used to prevent
further bone loss. They will also recommend prevention and treatment
programmes on basis of the individual health condition and causes
for osteoporosis.
The recommendations on prevention
and treatment of bone loss include: adequate intake of calcium
and Vitamin D, maintaining healthy lifestyle and engaging in
appropriate exercise programmes.
Consult the doctor 
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Ultrasonometer
- measures bone density of the heel
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
- measures bone denisty of the hip and spine
¢æ-ray at the hip
Detail report
¢æ-ray of the spine
Detail report
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