Question 1

can a doctor tell if i have mild osteoporosis from a normal x-ray?

Accepted Answer

Yes but too late?: Plain xrays will show bone loss when at least 30% of bone has been lost so a normal xray does not mean bone loss is not occurring. A DEXA or bone density is a much better test to see if bone loss is occurring. It will show early bone loss much sooner then a plan xray.

Question 2

what technique is used to spot early osteoporosis? is it dual x-ray absorptiometry, bone marrow biopsy, or arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

DEXA: Dexa scan is a non-invasive method which involves sending different energy xrays though the hips and lower spine to determine bone density.  The T-score is used in classifying density as osteopenic (early osteoporosis) or osteoporotic.

Question 3

i have osteoporosis and a copy of the x-ray and report.  what's a z-score?

Accepted Answer

Your age group: The z score compares you to someone your age. T score compares you to a 25yo.  If your z score is lower than a -1.5, you are at risk for secondary caues of bone loss such as thyroid dis.

Question 4

wedging of l2 to l5 vertebral body noted. osteoporosis noted involving lumber vertebral bodies.' what does this mean? this is result noted in x-ray.

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis refers to decreased bone density, which results in increased susceptibility to fractures.  Vertebral fractures are often seen as wedging of the vertebral bodies.  Therefore, it appears that you may have osteoporosis that has resulted in vertebral compression fractures.  It's unusual to see osteoporosis at your age, so discuss the findings and treatment options with your doctor.

Question 5

what are the basic lab tests to rule out multiple myleoma vs osteoporosis. they look similar on x-ray, been exposed to a lot of high radiation scans.

Accepted Answer

See your clinician : The X-ray bone changes are different for MM &amp; osteoporosis, where MM has "lytic" changes, &amp; osteoporosis has  fractures -  esp. wedge fractures of the vertebral bodies of the spine. There are specific tests that help identify the diagnosis at early stages: serum protein electrophoresis in MM, &amp; DEXA scan in osteoporosis. Do discuss this with your primary medical provider. Hope that helps.

Question 6

i have lost 2cm in height.  i have secondary sev.osteoporosis.  xrays show no fractures, what has happened? and why doesn't the change show up on x-ray

Accepted Answer

Occurs bone and disc: Difficult to see small changes that occur at each level of bone and disc space.

Question 7

would sideways whiplash in accident cause anteror wedging in t5-t7. found on x-ray 10 years after car accident. i don't have osteoporosis and am young?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Unlikely caused by accident , unlikely cause of pain, likely an incidental asymptomatic finding feel free to treat as such an incidental finding

Question 8

bones pop more than usual.x ray shows disintegrating lower spine and military neck.what can this be from?osteoporosis possible?grandma had it young

Accepted Answer

Could be: Could be osteoporosis, could be early degenerative disc changes.  You should definitely see a physician and possible a rheumatologist for better evaluation of this issue.

Question 9

i broke metatarsal bone nondisplaced & is healing well.  if osteoporosis caused break would it be evident on x-ray. orthopedic   dr. didn't mention it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the density: Of the bone could be evaluated it would be washed out. I would have your vitamin D levels checked.

Question 10

could an ortho consultant surgeon know from x rays or ct if patient with a fracture had osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The x ray could  show significant demineralization that could  lead the radiologist or orthopedic surgeon  to suggest osteoporosis . However confirmatory bone mineral density scan with a T-score of  less than -2.5 per who standard is required  to confirm the diagnosis.

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Doctor answers about:

Osteoporosis x rays

A member asked:

Can a doctor tell if i have mild osteoporosis from a normal x-ray?

A member asked:

What technique is used to spot early osteoporosis? is it dual x-ray absorptiometry, bone marrow biopsy, or arthroscopy?

A member asked:

I have osteoporosis and a copy of the x-ray and report. what's a z-score?

A member asked:

Wedging of l2 to l5 vertebral body noted. osteoporosis noted involving lumber vertebral bodies.' what does this mean? this is result noted in x-ray.

A member asked:

What are the basic lab tests to rule out multiple myleoma vs osteoporosis. they look similar on x-ray, been exposed to a lot of high radiation scans.

A member asked:

I have lost 2cm in height. i have secondary sev.osteoporosis. xrays show no fractures, what has happened? and why doesn't the change show up on x-ray

A member asked:

Would sideways whiplash in accident cause anteror wedging in t5-t7. found on x-ray 10 years after car accident. i don't have osteoporosis and am young?

A member asked:

Bones pop more than usual.x ray shows disintegrating lower spine and military neck.what can this be from?osteoporosis possible?grandma had it young

A member asked:

I broke metatarsal bone nondisplaced & is healing well. if osteoporosis caused break would it be evident on x-ray. orthopedic dr. didn't mention it?

A member asked:

Could an ortho consultant surgeon know from x rays or ct if patient with a fracture had osteoporosis?

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