If several bones crush and form wedge shaped fractures the spine can start to curve. Severe curvature of the spine can reduce the space under the rib cage, cause digestive and breathing problems and sometimes incontinence, as the internal organs are pressed on the bladder. Hip fractures are most common in older people, usually after a fall, and can have a big impact on quality of life. This test is currently the most accurate and reliable means of assessing the strength of your bones and your risk of fracture. It is a simple, painless procedure that uses very low doses of radiation.
Some centres have forearm machines which measure the density of the wrist.
A bone density scan can diagnose osteoporosis, assess risk of fracture and monitor effects of treatment. Bone density scans are only recommended for people who are at high risk of osteoporosis, so dicuss your medical history with your doctor, who can decide whether to refer you to a hospital for a scan. Your doctor may use the results to decide on treatment for you, or you may be asked to see a specialist consultant. Women who are going to take HRT at the menopause probably won't need a bone density scan. The results can be given as a percentage of the normal value, or as standard deviation, which means the number of units above or below the average for the population.