What Do Bone Mass Calculations Mean on Bone Density Tests?
Bone mineral density (BMD) tests--or bone mass tests--are measurements of the relative strength and integrity of certain bones in the body that are susceptible to the effects of the bone-weakening condition called osteoporosis.
The Facts
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, BMD tests can detect cases of osteoporosis, measure an individual's response to osteoporosis treatment and predict the likelihood of bone fractures.
Testing Principles
BMD tests measure the mineral content in a bone's interior. As a rule, high mineral content in a bone indicates high bone strength, while low mineral content indicates low bone strength, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Measuring Bone Mass
Typically, BMD tests compare an individual's bone mass to that of a hypothetical, healthy 30-year-old. Doctors measure the differences between these two readings in units called standard deviations (SDs), according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Results
Individuals within one SD of the norm have normal bone mass. Those between one and 2.5 SDs have clinical low bone mass. Those in excess of 2.5 SDs have osteoporosis.
Additional Measurements
Your doctor may also measure your bone mass against others in the same age group to detect any underlying diseases related to your bone loss.
Tags: bone mass, mineral content, Bone Density, Bone Density Tests, Bone Mass Calculations
