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Bone Mineral Density Test: Normal and Osteoporosis

Bone mineral density of spine

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.

Figure 1 shows a bone mineral density (BMD) test of a healthy older woman. The X-ray shows a healthy spine. The BMD is determined by the X-ray. The graph shows the bone mineral density number in the green zone (normal). Figure 2 shows a BMD test of an older woman with osteoporosis. The X-ray shows weaker bones. The graph shows the bone mineral density number in the red zone (osteoporosis), placing her at much greater risk for broken bones (fractures).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine
Last Revised August 15, 2010

Last Revised: August 15, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine

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