Treatment options for bone loss are still relatively limited. A bone mineral density (BMD) test, which determines the amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) within certain areas of bone, can predict the risk of fracture and other bone problems. This testing procedure, called bone densitometry (DEXA scan), is painless, non-invasive and involves minimal radiation exposure. Measurements are most commonly made over the lumbar (lower portion of spine) and over the upper part of the hip.18
