Bone Case Study

1. A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures the amount of mineral concentration in a specific region of the bones in order to determine a persons bone strength or density and their risk for fractures.
2. The physician uses the BMD test in conjunction with a patient's history to determine the patient's risk of Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by thinning, weak bones. Bone loss is actually a normal event in the human body. We loose bone when cells (osteoclasts) release stored salts (calcium, phosphorous, magnesium) from the bone into the blood stream when dietary intake is not providing adequate amounts. Typically (at least until age 30) we have other cells (osteoblasts) that come in and repair, repair and build lost bone. Osteoporosis occurs when the osteoclasts are working faster than the osteoblasts. Eventually the osteoblasts fall further and further behind leaving thin and brittle bones.
3. Results for the BMD test are given......

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Title: Osteoporosis
Approximate Word Count: 575
Approximate Pages: 3 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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