Densitometric measurement of bone mass has become central to the diagnosis of osteoporosis and decisions about treatment to prevent fracture. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements are used to establish a diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis; determine fracture risk; identify candidates for intervention; and assess changes in bone mass over time in both treated and untreated patients. BMD is expressed as a T-score which is the number of standard deviations above or below the mean for a young adult healthy population. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis using the WHO criteria.

•  Recommendations for BMD testing
•  Techniques for BMD measurement

The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Medical Association designates this module for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nonphysicians may receive a certificate of participation for completing this activity.

The development of this CME web module was supported in part through an independent education grant from the Alliance for Better Bone Health and produced in accordance with the AMA Standards for Industry-Supported Multimedia Continuing Medical Education and Other Communications.