How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

    Researchedby:
    Brady Holmer, Marina Shkayeva

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Osteoporosis is diagnosed by bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine or hip, which is measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. A normal BMD is no more than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the average or reference value. Osteopenia (low bone mass) is 1-2.5 SDs below the reference and osteoporosis is 2.5 SD or more below the reference BMD value.[1]

    References

    1. ^Jeremiah MP, Unwin BK, Greenawald MH, Casiano VEDiagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis.Am Fam Physician.(2015-Aug-15)