When your doctor assesses your bone health he/she will need to establish whether you have particular risk factors for osteoporosis. Your doctor will take a medical history about your general health including:

• calcium intake,
• level of exercise,
• whether there is a family history of osteoporosis,
• use of drugs such as prednisolone and thyroxine,
• history of thyroid disease,
• smoking status,
• alcohol intake,
• caffeine intake,
• menstrual history,
• menopausal status, and
• whether you have ever had a fracture, noticed a change in your posture or noted loss of height.

If your doctor establishes that you have significant risk factors for osteoporosis, then your doctor may arrange the following tests.

DEXA

A Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan (DEXA scan) is a specialised x-ray technique, which specifically measures bone mineral density (bone mineral content) and provides the most accurate way to assess this. This is just like a normal X-ray with no pain involved.

It is used to:

• confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
• estimate severity of bone loss.
• determine whether the patient is responding to treatment.

It is a fast scan, has high resolution, is easily reproducible and has a lower radiation dose compared to other methods.

Usually only the lumbar spine (lower back) and proximal femur (hip region) are measured.

Interpretation of DEXA Results

Plain X-Ray

A plain x-ray of your upper and lower spinal column (thoraco-lumbar spine) may be ordered to determine whether there are already features of osteoporosis affecting the spinal column (vertebral bodies).

Blood tests

It may also be necessary to for you to have blood tests to look for any contributing causes for osteoporosis. This may involve assessment of vitamin D levels, calcium levels, thyroid function and other tests.

Other Test

Ultrasound measurement

Currently ultrasound tests are available at many pharmacies. This test involves an ultrasound measurement of the heel. Ultrasound tests are not as accurate in assessing for osteoporosis as a DEXA study and are not recommended by doctors.

Content updated February 20, 2006