How Can We Diagnose Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with the help of X-ray and/or body bone densitometry scanning.
Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with the help of the following tests-
- X-ray of bones: X-rays of bones show thinning of the cortex section of the bone.
- Whole body bone densitometry scanning: A whole body bone densitometry scan can detect bone density loss. The scan works like a miniature x-ray (with minimal radiation exposure). The bone density of the hip, spine, forearm or the 'whole body' can be checked to diagnose osteoporosis before a debilitating, life-threatening fracture occurs.
- Blood tests: Blood levels of calcium and phosphate are usually normal. The thyroid and parathyroid levels maybe elevated in some cases.
