Effects of Osteoporosis on the Spine

Bone mineral density test: Normal and osteoporosis

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).