Bone densitometry is an image exam widely used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, as it allows to assess the density of the person's bones and, thus, check if there was bone loss. Therefore, bone densitometry is indicated by the doctor when the person has risk factors for osteoporosis, such as menopause, aging and physical inactivity, for example.
Bone densitometry is a simple, painless test that does not require preparation to be performed, and it is only indicated that the person informs if he is taking any medication or if he has had a contrast test in the last 3 days prior to the densitometry test.
What is it for
Bone densitometry is considered the main test to identify bone mass loss, being considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Therefore, bone densitometry is indicated when factors that lead to decreased bone mass or that increase the risk of developing diseases are observed, such as:
- Aging; Menopause; Family history of osteopenia or osteoporosis; Frequent use of corticosteroids; Primary hyperparathyroidism; Smoking; Sedentary lifestyle; Gastrointestinal diseases or kidney stones; Large consumption of caffeine; Nutritional deficiencies.
The bone densitometry exam is important because it indicates the person's bone mass, being essential for the doctor to check the risk of developing osteoporosis or osteopenia and the chance of having a fracture, and may indicate strategies for these situations to be avoided. In addition, this test is indicated as a way to monitor the person and the response to treatment based on the analysis of bone density over time.
How bone densitometry is done
Bone densitometry is a simple test, which does not cause pain or discomfort and does not require preparation for it to be performed. The exam is quick, lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, and is performed with the person lying on a stretcher, immobile, until a device records radiological images of their body.
Although it is simple, the bone densitometry test is not indicated for pregnant women, obese people or those who have had a contrast test about 3 days before the densitometry test, because it can interfere with the test result.
How to understand the result
The result of bone densitometry is indicated by scores that indicate the amount of calcium present in the bones, which are:
1. Z score, which is indicated for younger people, estimates the possibility of the person suffering a fracture, for example, and can be interpreted as follows:
- Value up to 1: Normal result; Value below 1 to - 2.5: Indicative of osteopenia; Value below - 2.5: Indicative of osteoporosis;
2. T score, which is more suitable for elderly or women after menopause, who are more likely to develop osteoporosis, which can be:
- Value greater than 0: Normal; Value up to -1: Borderline; Value below -1: Indicative of osteoporosis.
Bone densitometry should be performed at least once a year by women over 65 and men over 70 and periodically, according to the doctor's guidance, for people who have already been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis in order to verify response to treatment.
