Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise,
Idaho.
Figure 1 shows a bone mineral density (BMD) test of a healthy older
woman. The X-ray shows a healthy spine. The BMD is determined by the X-ray. The
graph shows the bone mineral density number in the green zone (normal). Figure
2 shows a BMD test of an older woman with osteoporosis. The X-ray shows weaker
bones. The graph shows the bone mineral density number in the red zone
(osteoporosis), placing her at much greater risk for broken bones
(fractures).
