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Osteoporosis

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Tests & Diagnostics

Bone mineral density testing (specifically a densitometry or DEXA scan) measures how much bone you have. Your health care provider uses this test to preduct your risk for bone fractures in the future. For information about when testing should be done, see bone density test.

A special type of spine CT that can show loss of bone mineral density, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) may be used in rare cases.

In severe cases, a spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or collapse of the spinal bones. However, simple x-rays of bones are not very accurate in predicting whether someone is likely to have osteoporosis.

You may need other blood and urine tests if your osteoporosis is thought to be due to a medical condition, rather than simply the usual bone loss seen with older age.

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