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Page: Diagnosis
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Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, formerly DEXA) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of osteoporosis. Diagnosis is made when the bone mineral density is less than or equal to 2.5 standard deviations below that of a young adult reference population. This is translated as a T-score. The World Health Organization has established diagnostic guidelines as T-score -1.0 or greater is "normal", T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is "low bone mass" (or "osteopenia") and -2.5 or below as osteoporosis. When there has also been a low trauma or osteoporotic fracture, defined as one that occurs as a result of a fall from a standing height, the term "severe or established" osteoporosis is used. This is very important, because a person who has already had a fracture is at least 4 times as likely to have another fracture as another person of the same age and bone density. The absolute risk of fracture depends strongly on age as well as bone density and factors which affect strength and falling.
The rate of bone turnover can be measured with urine NTx, a byproduct of bone cartilage breakdown. Urine NTx greater than 40 may indicate osteoporosis.
In order to differentiate between "primary" (post-menopausal, regardless of age, or senile - related to age) and "secondary" osteoporosis, blood tests and X-rays are usually done to rule out cancer with metastasis to the bone, multiple myeloma, Cushing's disease and other causes mentioned above.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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