Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is reduced bone strength that increases the risk of fractures.
When to get help quickly: Prompt review is important after a fall or low-impact fracture, or if there is sudden severe back pain suggesting a compression fracture.
Common symptoms
Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a bone breaks. Some people first notice sudden back pain, loss of height, or a more stooped posture after spine fractures.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps measure bone density, look for fragility fractures, and assess whether bones have already weakened enough to affect the spine, wrist, hip, or ribs.
What radiology does
Bone density testing helps measure risk, while X-rays, CT, or MRI may reveal compression fractures or other fragility injuries.
What usually happens next
Treatment may include exercise, calcium and vitamin D support, fall prevention, and medicines to protect bone.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- DEXA: General FAQsDEXA, also called DXA or bone densitometry, is a low-dose X-ray test used to measure bone density. It helps doctors assess bone strength, screen for osteoporosis, and estimate fracture risk.
- DEXA Scan (Bone Density Test)A DEXA scan is a quick, painless, low-dose X-ray test used to measure bone density, usually in the hips and lower spine. It helps doctors assess bone strength and detect osteopenia or osteoporosis.
- Bone ScanA bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that helps doctors look for changes in bone activity. It is often used for unexplained bone pain, infection, fractures, or to check whether cancer has spread to the bones.