Bones are what support and protect all of our skin, muscles, and
internal organs. In order to live long, healthy lives, it is very important for
people to have their bone density checked once they reach middle age. Although
men are also at risk for bone problems such as osteoporosis when they are older,
women are much more likely to have osteoporosis.
Bone Density is measured by comparison to that of this healthy
young adult, this is measured as T-Score. World Health Organization defined
Normal Bone Density is the density within -1 standard deviation (SD) of the
20-30 year old which means 10-15% bone loss. Osteopenia, or low bone density, is
defined as within -1 to -2.5 SD means 15-25% bone loss. Osteoporosis is defined
as lower than -2.5 SD over 25% bone loss. The device that is now used to check
bone density is known as Bone Densitometer. Bone densitometry is the most widely
used method in the world for detecting osteoporosis.
