It does not indicate the nature of the underlying abnormality of bone metabolism. Trabecular bone loss predominates over cortical bone loss. Affects both men and women. Is associated with loss of both cortical and trabecular bone. Less among women of Southern and Middle European origin.
Osteoporosis is asymptomatic before fractures occur.
Bone density values predict risk of future fracture. Bone mass measurements can be used to monitor therapy. Procedure of choice. Estrogen deficient women. Screening of persons with major risk factors for osteoporosis prolonged amenorrhea, early menopause endocrinopathies gastric or small bowel resection or inflammatory disease chronic treatment with glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone, anticonvulsants, etc.