A bone density test is conducted to:
• Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
• Determine the risk of broken bones (fractures)
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
• Monitor osteoporosis treatment
The higher the bone mineral content, the denser are the bones. And the denser the bones, the stronger they generally are and hence less likely they are to break.
Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.
Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you’ve:
