Bone Density

Bone density (also called

bone mineral density

:

BMD

) is the amount of bone matter in a certain volume of bone. It can be measured using a special X-ray called a

DXA scan

(or DEXA - dual energy X ray absorptiometry).

Osteoporosis

(or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break, and heal slowly. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone fractures. Part of screening for osteoporosis involves

bone density tests

. Bone density measurement procedures are painless and non-invasive. Measurements are most commonly made over the lumbar spine (lower back), hip, and/or wrist, which are the most common sites of fractures due to osteoporosis. A variety of medical specialists treat people with bone density issues, including

Gynaecologists

,

Endocrinologists

,

Rheumatologists

,

Orthopaedists

and

Geriatricians

.