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Osteoporosis, which means "porous bones," is a bone-thinning disease that can lead to debilitating fractures, typically in the spine, hip and wrist. Although the condition is often considered a "women's disease," men also are affected. In the United States, an estimated 10 million people already have the condition and almost 34 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, 8 million are women and 2 million are men.

Many people don't know they have osteoporosis until they have a fracture or have a bone density scan, also known as a bone mineral density (BMD) test. A bone density scan is a simple, non-invasive test that measures a person's bone density or volume of calcium and minerals within bone tissue. Bone density scans are available at the UCSF Osteoporosis Center at Mount Zion and can help to:

• Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs
• Predict your chance of fracturing in the future
• Determine your rate of bone loss or monitor the effects of treatment

Who Should Have One

Based on your risk for developing osteoporosis, your doctor can help you determine if you should have a bone density scan. Bone density scans, however, are recommended if you are age 65 or older regardless of risk.

If you're under 65 years of age, you should have a bone density scan if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Calcium-deficient diet
• History of amenorrhea, the abnormal absence of menstruation
• History of malabsorption
• Moderate to high alcohol intake
• Poor nutrition
• Postmenopausal
• Prolonged treatment with steroids, certain anti-cancer drugs, thyroid hormone and some anti-seizure medications
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Significant caffeine consumption
• Small-boned frame
• Smoker

Procedure

A bone density scan is a simple, non-invasive and painless exam, designed to measure bone mass in areas such as your spine, hip, wrist, finger, kneecap, shin bone and heel. The test uses a low dose X-ray to detect signs of bone thinning and mineral loss.

The standard scan measures the density of the spine and hip. The forearm is measured in people with hyperthyroidism or if either hip cannot be scanned. Some doctors will order just a hip scan as a screening study for patients under the age of 60. Currently, whole body scans are used for research purposes only.

There are several machines that measure bone density. Central machines measure density in the hip, spine and total body. Peripheral machines measure density in the finger, wrist, kneecap, shin bone and heel. At the UCSF Osteoporosis Center, we offer screening with both central and peripheral machines, as well as ultrasound examinations of the heel to determine your risk for fractures.

A bone density scan takes about 15 minutes, including on-site registration. During the procedure, you will lie on a table scanner for five to eight minutes. A technologist will sit next to you throughout the procedure.

Preparation

Results

More Information

In addition to providing bone density scans, the UCSF Osteoporosis Center provides comprehensive osteoporosis care including:

• Doctors specializing in osteoporosis
• Physical therapy consultations for home exercise programs
• Nutritional counseling to promote better bone health