Purpose: To detect osteoporosis (a silent disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue) before a fracture occurs, and to monitor changes in bone density in response to treatment

For whom appropriate:

* Postmenopausal women

* Premenopausal women, perimenopausal women, and men with any of the following risk factors:

* Thin or small frame

* Family history of osteoporosis

* Diet low in calcium

* Cigarette smoking

* Excessive use of alcohol

* Inactive lifestyle

* Use of corticosteroids or thyroid medication

* Low testosterone levels in men

Significance:

* Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million fractures in the United States. The majority of such fractures are of the hip, spine and wrist.

* One in two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

* Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse.

* In the U.S. today, 18 million individuals have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.

* Once bone loss is detected, numerous therapies (diet, dietary supplements, weight-bearing exercise, and medication) can be prescribed to slow or halt the progression of the process, and possibly even increase bone density