One in two women and one in eight men are at risk of suffering fractures related to osteoporosis during their lifetime. These fractures can result in chronic pain and frequently, life-long impairment. The United States will spend beyond 10 billion dollars this year alone on health-care related to osteoporosis. The test may be performed periodically to measure progress or treatment. Race- prevalent in Caucasians and Asians.
Age- risk increases with age.
Calcium Intake - increased calcium intake decreases risk. Increased consumption increases risk. Estrogen Intake- taking estrogen following menopause decreases risk. Patient Preparation -No patient prep is required. Although, if a patient has had a radiographic exam with contrast media or a Nuclear Medicine isotope study, a bone densitometry exam should not be performed within 7 days of that Exam.