Testing for Osteoporosis

The following information provides a brief explanation of the Bone Mineral Densitometry Testing provided at the Sydney Breast Clinic.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone becomes fragile and brittle and fracture more easily than normal bone. Even a minor fall or injury can cause a serious fracture.

One in two women and one in three men over 60 will have a fracture due to osteoporosis.

About the Test

A bone mineral density test will measure the amount of mineral in a specific area of your bone. A thin beam of x-ray energy is passed through the lower spine and hip region. A computer calculates how much of X-ray energy is absorbed by the bones and compares the results with what is expected in a young (20 year old) person and also with what is expected for a person of your age, sex and race.
The results are plotted on a graph and report given by the Radiologist.

The test is extremely safe and uses low dose ionising radiation. These x-rays are only 1/10 of the kind received during chest x-rays.

The test will take approximately 20 minutes to perform and no preparation is required. The test can be performed while you wait to complete your breast assessment.