How Can Osteoporosis Be Diagnosed by Healthcare Professionals?
Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging tests. Healthcare professionals start by reviewing a patient's medical history to identify risk factors such as age, family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions that could contribute to bone loss. A physical examination may also include an assessment of posture and height, as compression fractures in the spine—a common complication of osteoporosis—can lead to height loss or a hunched posture. Based on the findings, the physician may recommend a bone mineral density (BMD) test, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
The most commonly used BMD test is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This non-invasive procedure measures the density of bones in areas most affected by osteoporosis, such as the spine, hips, and sometimes the forearm. The results are expressed as a T-score, which compares the patient’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis, while a score between -1.0 and -2.5 suggests low bone mass (osteopenia). In some cases, additional imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be used to evaluate fractures or other structural changes in the bones. These diagnostic tools, combined with a thorough clinical evaluation, enable healthcare professionals to identify osteoporosis early and develop appropriate management plans.
