The early diagnosis of osteoporosis, before the occurrence of fractures, can only be made by means of bone density measurements [bone mineral density(BMD) tests] (Table 7.1). These measure bone density at various skeletal sites and thereby enable a prediction of risk of later fracture. A 10% decrease in bone density doubles the fracture risk for the vertebral body and trebles it for the hip joint. If a fracture has already occurred, this test is used to confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis and determine its degree of severity. BMD provides the following information:
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Detects osteopenia and/or osteoporosis before occurrence of a fracture
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Predicts risk for later development of osteoporosis
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Indicates the rate of bone loss – progression – in sequential measurements
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Documents the efficacy or failure of therapy
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Increases compliance of both doctor and patient
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Chapter 7 Bone Density in Osteoporosis
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Bartl, R., Frisch, B. (2009). Bone Density in Osteoporosis. In: Osteoporosis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-79527-8_7
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