Bone Density Measurement
Bone density measurement (bone densitometry) is one of the medical imaging methods used in the diagnosis of diseases such as osteoporosis.
The purpose of the test is to determine the density of bones, that is, the amount of mineral. Mineral deficiency or loss of minerals in the bones can cause many diseases. One of these diseases is osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects many people, especially women and men over the age of 50. It is important to detect bone resorption as early as possible in the treatment.
It increases the risk of negative conditions such as melting of bones, fractures and cracks. For this reason, it is important to detect bone resorption at an early stage and to take the necessary precautions. Bone measurement uses a very small amount of x-rays to diagnose osteoporosis (bone loss).
Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, leading to bone fragility. It causes fractures of the spine, wrist and hip. The weakening of the bones is sometimes due to aging and sometimes to other risk factors.
Osteoporosis can also be described as a “silent disease”. This is because osteoporosis does not show any symptoms until a significant amount of bone mass is lost. Bone measurement scan can detect bone loss at an early age. In this way, doctors slow down and even stop osteoporosis with the right drugs before most of the bone tissue is lost. Images of the lower spine and hip are the most commonly used images in osteoporosis screening.
In which situations is bone density measurement recommended?
Menopause Family history of osteoporosis History of diabetes History of smoking Frequent bone fractures Those who show excessive collagen increases in urine examinations and who have undergone high-dose bone content changes