A bone density test is used to examine your bone mass, an indicator of your overall bone strength.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
What Is a Bone Density Test Used For?
A bone density test is a procedure used to examine your bone density, or bone mass.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images
The density, or mass, of your bones is an overall indicator of your bone strength.
The greater your bone density, the thicker and stronger your bones are.
Bone Density Test Procedure
The most common bone density test is dual energyX-rayabsorptiometry scan, orDEXA scan.
An X-ray scanner will pass over your spine and hips while another X-ray scanner scans beneath you.
While the scan is taking place, you will need to hold very still for obtain an accurate image.
This number indicates how dense bone cells are packed together in a specific area of bone.
For postmenopausal women and men aged 50 and older, bone density values are reported as a T score.
Z scores are compared to bone density levels of other people of the same age and sex.
If arthritis occurs and causes sclerosis in the spine and hip, bone density can actually increase.
Diagnosing Arthritis
An X-ray of your affected joint is currently the most accurate way to diagnose arthritis.
But regardless of what condition you may have, strengthening your bones is essential.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Bone mineral density tests: what the numbers mean.
2016;474(8):1886-1893. doi:10.1007/s11999-016-4732-4
