BMD Full Form

BMD Full Form

The full form of BMD is bone mineral density. 

The composite nature of bone provides it with a very special mechanical property. Type 1 collagen is the organic Matrix and the hydroxyapatite crystal is the mineral Matrix. These are the primary constituents of bones. Seeing their contribution to the formation of bone, various studies have proved that the minerals in the bones are majorly responsible for providing strength to the structure of the body. 

The organic matrix provides toughness to the body. Any change in the matrix composition drastically affects the properties of the bone.

The bone mineral density test is the measure of the amount of calcium and other minerals in bone. This test is done to check the bone fractures or osteoporosis.

How Is The BMD Test Performed?

The mineral density test can be performed in many ways. The most accurate method utilises a DEXA scan. It is a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. It makes use of low-dose x-rays. The DEXA scan is categorised into two types. These are Central DEXA and Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA).

Ways To Prepare For BMD Test

• In case of pregnancy, it is advisable to inform the doctor before undergoing the test.
• Avoid calcium supplements at least a day before the test
• Remove the metal items that you are wearing such as belt jewellery buckles bangles, etc 
• The test comes with no pain. You just need to stay still during the BMD test.

Why Is The Bone Mineral Density Test Done?

The BMD test is performed for the following purpose:

• Osteoporosis
• Diagnose bone loss
• To check the status of the medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis
• Check the bone fractures and the deformities related to them.
• Test the density of bone. It is advised for people of age 65 and above 2 to perform a regular BMD test.

Factors That Affect The Bone Mineral Density

Ageing is a prime factor for bone mineral density. With the increase in age, the bone undergoes several changes. The alteration in the cortical bone microstructure leads to lower bone density. Age affects BMD negatively. The bone density loss leads to fragility and degradation of the structure of bone. 

People of age above 50 are mostly diagnosed with osteoporosis and fractures. This is due to the age factor. The BMD goes down as it depends on tissue mineralisation as well.

Diet is also responsible for the bone mineral density of a person. The bones are the site of storage for many minerals. It helps in maintaining a perfect balance between the process of excretion and absorption. 

A healthy skeleton is facilitated by adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. These are calcium, vitamins K, C, D, Potassium, Zinc and Manganese. The amount of calcium intake can affect the bone mineral density to a great level. Therefore, a diet with a liquid amount of vitamins and minerals is important to maintain the health of bones.

BMD Test To Check The Risk Of Osteoporosis

If a person has a risk of Osteoporosis, first bone density testing should be performed. The risk of osteoporosis is due to the following factors:

• Fracture of bone
• A family history of cases of osteoporosis
• History of breast cancer or prostate cancer
• History of thyroid diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and anorexia nervosa
• In the case when menopause arrives early
• Use of medicines for the long term such as thyroid hormone, aromatase inhibitors and corticosteroids. 
• Low BMI ( 21 and less)
• Height loss
• Tobacco and alcohol

Conclusion

Studies have also concluded that genes are very much responsible for Bone Density and conditions like Osteoporosis. It is responsible for bone metabolism. It holds a close relation between vitamin D receptor genes and disorders related to bone.

A few studies have shown that the femoral bone strength and bone mineral density for black American groups were much more as compared to the white groups. The white Americans were diagnosed with osteoporosis on a much larger scale than the black female. Also in females, the history of bone mineral density shows a greater risk for fracture. They are more prone to have lower BMD.