Unfortunately, once a vertebral fracture has occurred, the risk for further fractures becomes much higher. Multiple vertebral compression fractures can lead to loss of height. Hip fractures are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Two techniques have been developed for early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, DEXA machines are rather large and only available in large medical centers.
Quantitative ultrasound can measure bone density in wrists and heels.
The results have good correlation with the risk of hip or vertebral fracture and the equipment is smaller and can be used at a doctor's office. Interpreting the results Most methods of BMD measurement provide three numbers - bone density, T score and Z score. The T score is the number of SDs below the peak bone mass, that of a healthy 30 year old. The T score of -2 means that you are 2 SDs below peak and you are 4 times more likely to experience a fracture than a healthy young woman. A 70 year old woman with a Z score of -1 is 1 SD below the normal 70 year old woman.