Osteoporosis other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S.[3]
Overview
The DEXA scan is the most important study used in the work-up of osteoporosis, and divides patients into three categories based on their level of bone density.
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, formerly DEXA) is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is diagnosed when the bone mineral density is less than or equal to 2.5 standard deviations below that of a young adult reference population. This is translated as a T-score. The World Health Organization has established the following diagnostic guidelines:[1]
- T-score -1.0 or greater is "normal"
- T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is "low bone mass" (or "osteopenia")
- T-score -2.5 or below is osteoporosis
When there has also been an osteoporotic fracture (also termed "low trauma-fracture" or "fragility fracture"), defined as one that occurs as a result of a fall from a standing height, the term "severe or established" osteoporosis is used.
References
- ↑ WHO Scientific Group on the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis (2000 : Geneva, Switzerland) (2003). "Prevention and management of osteoporosis : report of a WHO scientific group" (pdf). Retrieved 2007-05-31.