BMD Test Questions & Answers
2025/2026
What is bone densitromy? - ANSWERSThe use of various technologies to measure bone mineral
content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of specific skeletal sites in the body.
What is required to produce first visible changes on a radiograph? - ANSWERSA loss of 30-50%
of trabecular bone.
What is the composition of bone? - ANSWERSBone matrix is 90% collagen and 10% other
proteins. Bone mineral is a combination of calcium and phosphorus. Cortical (compact) bone
makes of the shafts of long bones and outer envelope. Cancellous (trabecular) bone makes up
the inner parts of the bones of the axial skeleton.
What are the bone cells? - ANSWERSOsteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes and lining cells.
Osteoclasts - ANSWERSRemove bone, causing bone resorption.
Osteoblasts - ANSWERSBuild or replace tissue.
Peak bone mass - ANSWERSBy the age of 20 years, the average woman has acquired 98% of
skeletal mass or Peak Bone Mass.
What is the best defence against osteoporosis? - ANSWERSBuilding bone mass during childhood
When does bone mass decrease? - ANSWERSTypically, by age 35, more bone is removed than
replaced, resulting in a gradual decrease in bone.
, BMC - ANSWERSBone Mineral Content = quantity or mass of bone measured in grams (g)
BMD - ANSWERSBone Mineral Density = the ratio of BMC to projected area of the bone -
calculated quantity is expressed in units of g/cm2. BMD=BMC/area
Purpose of bone densitromy? - ANSWERSMeasure BMD, Detect bone loss, Establish diagnosis of
osteporosis, Asssess individuals risk for fracture, Assess pt response to osteoporosis therapy,
Perform vertebral fracture assessment
Clinical risk factors and indications - ANSWERS- Female gender
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Ethnicity
- Low body weight (<127lbs)
- Lifestyle
- Estrogen deficiency
- Nutritional deficiency (calcium or Vit D)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Frequent falls
- Alcohol abuse or smoking
- Hormonal
- Rheumatoid arthritis (accompanied by steroid use)
- GI conditions
- Medications
2025/2026
What is bone densitromy? - ANSWERSThe use of various technologies to measure bone mineral
content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of specific skeletal sites in the body.
What is required to produce first visible changes on a radiograph? - ANSWERSA loss of 30-50%
of trabecular bone.
What is the composition of bone? - ANSWERSBone matrix is 90% collagen and 10% other
proteins. Bone mineral is a combination of calcium and phosphorus. Cortical (compact) bone
makes of the shafts of long bones and outer envelope. Cancellous (trabecular) bone makes up
the inner parts of the bones of the axial skeleton.
What are the bone cells? - ANSWERSOsteoclasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes and lining cells.
Osteoclasts - ANSWERSRemove bone, causing bone resorption.
Osteoblasts - ANSWERSBuild or replace tissue.
Peak bone mass - ANSWERSBy the age of 20 years, the average woman has acquired 98% of
skeletal mass or Peak Bone Mass.
What is the best defence against osteoporosis? - ANSWERSBuilding bone mass during childhood
When does bone mass decrease? - ANSWERSTypically, by age 35, more bone is removed than
replaced, resulting in a gradual decrease in bone.
, BMC - ANSWERSBone Mineral Content = quantity or mass of bone measured in grams (g)
BMD - ANSWERSBone Mineral Density = the ratio of BMC to projected area of the bone -
calculated quantity is expressed in units of g/cm2. BMD=BMC/area
Purpose of bone densitromy? - ANSWERSMeasure BMD, Detect bone loss, Establish diagnosis of
osteporosis, Asssess individuals risk for fracture, Assess pt response to osteoporosis therapy,
Perform vertebral fracture assessment
Clinical risk factors and indications - ANSWERS- Female gender
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Ethnicity
- Low body weight (<127lbs)
- Lifestyle
- Estrogen deficiency
- Nutritional deficiency (calcium or Vit D)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Frequent falls
- Alcohol abuse or smoking
- Hormonal
- Rheumatoid arthritis (accompanied by steroid use)
- GI conditions
- Medications
