Bone Mineral Density

Definition

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a measurement that shows the strength and density of your bones. It helps doctors understand how strong your bones are and check for conditions like osteoporosis.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a quantitative measurement that reflects the amount of mineral matter per square centimeter of bones. It is used as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk and can be measured using techniques like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Benefits

• Helps in diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.
• Aids in monitoring the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment.
• Useful for predicting future bone health.

Examples

• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are used to measure BMD.
• Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is another method to assess BMD.

Additional Information

• Importance: Bone Mineral Density is crucial for determining bone strength and diagnosing bone-related health issues, primarily osteoporosis.

Related Terms

• Osteoporosis

References

• Bone Mineral Density: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• Osteoporosis: Risk Assessment and Screening