Creator: Dr. Trupti Shirole
Keywords: Osteoporosis diagnosis, X rays, bone density, diagnose osteoporosis, blood levels of calcium

Written by Dr. Trupti Shirole, BAMS, CGO

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Simi Paknikar, MD

Last Updated on Sep 24, 2014

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.

Published on Sep 24, 2014
Last Updated on Sep 24, 2014

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