Diagnosis of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is currently diagnosed on a bone density scanning machine when the amount of bone you have, as measured on the scan, is found to be significantly lower than average.
The lower your bone density the higher your risk of breaking bones.
Central dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning is currently the most accurate and reliable method. It is a simple, painless procedure that uses very low doses of radiation.
You will be asked to lie down for 10-15 minutes while an X-ray scanning arm passes over you to take an image of your spine and hip. These scanners are usually in hospitals, although not all hospitals have one.
Bone density scans are only recommended for people who are considered to be at high risk of having an osteoporotic fracture. Your GP will discuss your risk factors with you and then decide whether a referral is necessary. If you think you are at risk then talk to your GP to discuss whether a scan would be useful.
Assessing fracture risk
Although a diagnosis of osteoporosis will increase the risk of a fracture, many other factors will also contribute to your risk.
Some risk factors, such as the risk of falling, may be tackled by lifestyle changes. Others relate to bone strength and may be improved by taking drug treatments.
When doctors decide who needs drug treatment to reduce their risk of a fracture, they are moving towards using ‘fracture risk assessment’ rather than simply diagnosing osteoporosis. For this they use a fracture risk assessment tool called FRAX™. Measurement of bone density may form part of this assessment but may not always be necessary.
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