Without actually removing a piece during a biopsy there is no method of determining the actual structure of bones Instead, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on special x-ray methods called densitometry. Densitometry will give accurate and precise measurements of the amount of bone (not their actual quality). This measurement is termed “bone mineral density” or BMD.
“WHO” The World Health Organization has established criteria for making the diagnosis of osteoporosis, as well as determining levels which predict higher chances of fractures. In a particular patient with those of a 25 year old female these criteria are based on comparing bone mineral density (BMD). BMD values which fall well below the average for the 25 year old female (stated statistically as 2.5 standard deviations below the average) are diagnosed as “osteoporotic”. If a patient has a BMD value less than the normal 25 year old female, but not 2.5 standard deviations below the average, the bone is said to be “osteopenic” (osteopenic means decreased bone mineral density, but not as sever as osteoporosis). they were devised in a Caucasian female so there will be some differences when these levels are applied to non Caucasian females or to males in general Interestingly, although these criteria are widely used,. Despite this flaw, measurement of BMD is used daily and has proven to be very helpful in all groups. Some men will be subject to increased fracture rates when they have significantly less BMD than the predicted fracture level for women. Some men will be at increased risk for fracture even when they have osteopenia.In other words.
