Bone density loss occurs naturally with age, after reaching a peak density around age 30. Ultrasound brought testing to the physician's office. Sonomoters use ultrasound to estimate the bone density of peripheral bones and predict a patient's risk of future fracture. Ultrasound measures the speed of sound and broadband ultrasonic attenuation of the beam passed through the heel, wrist or forearm. Because sonometers are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and easy to use without requiring a registered x-ray technician, they are an attractive tool for osteoporosis screening in the physician's office.
Portable systems improve early detection by making it more accessible to patients.
Although all bones of the skeleton will reflect osteoporosis to some extent, bone density studies of the spine and hip may detect bone loss earlier. The results of the test, used in conjunction with establishment of other risk factors, assist in the determination of fracture risk. Gold Standard Test For Accuracy DEXA, the gold standard of osteoporosis testing, uses low dose x-ray of two different energies to distinguish between bone and soft tissue, giving a very accurate measurement of bone density in the spine and hip. DEXA's can perform precise full body scans in as little as 4 minutes and provide automated analysis of patient results. Patients with multiple risk factors or who have already discovered bone loss through earlier testing may need more accurate site-specific evaluation of the spine and hip.