Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise,
Idaho.
Figure 1 shows a bone mineral density (BMD) test of
a healthy older woman. The X-ray shows a healthy spine. The BMD is determined
by the X-ray. The graph shows the bone mineral density number in the green zone
(normal). Figure 2 shows a BMD test of an older woman with osteoporosis. The
X-ray shows weaker bones. The graph shows the bone mineral density number in
the red zone (osteoporosis), placing her at much greater risk for broken bones
(fractures).
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
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Last Revised
|
August 30, 2012 |