What it is
BMD estimates how much mineral is present in a measured bone area. DXA reports often use BMD to calculate T-scores or Z-scores.[1,2]
Why it matters
Lower BMD can be associated with higher fracture risk, but bone quality, falls, disease context, and prior fractures also matter.[1]
What it affects
Interpretation traps
- Do not read BMD without age, sex, skeletal site, instrument, fracture history, and clinical context.[3]