What Is Bone Density?
Bone density refers to how many grams of calcium and other minerals are present in a segment of a person’s bone. Bone density is calculated by using X-rays on a person’s bones; usually those located in the spine, hip or forearm.
These tests are used to determine if a person has osteoporosis which means that a person’s bones have low density and are thus more fragile and more likely to break. In the past this disorder was only diagnosed once a person had broken a bone but by that time a person’s overall bone structure could be very weak and have the potential for serious consequences.
Checking the density of a person’s bones allows deficiency to be identified before a break, shows the potential risk for a person, confirms a diagnosis of osteoporosis and enables a physician to monitor treatment and recommend steps to take to strengthen a person’s bones.
