CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What are the three primary sites used for Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scans?

1. Skull, Hips, Lumbar Spine

2. Hips, Lumbar Spine, Distal Forearm

3. Spine, Distal Forearm, Radius

4. Hips, Spine, Scapula

The correct answer is: Hips, Lumbar Spine, Distal Forearm

The selected answer highlights the hips, lumbar spine, and distal forearm as the primary sites for Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scans, which is accurate due to several reasons. First, the hips are a crucial area for evaluating bone density because hip fractures are highly associated with osteoporosis. Measurements in this area help predict fracture risk and overall bone strength, making it a standard site for assessment. The lumbar spine is another important site as it contains a significant amount of trabecular bone, which is more sensitive to changes in bone density compared to cortical bone. Assessing the lumbar spine assists in detecting early osteoporosis and provides important information regarding vertebral fractures. Lastly, the distal forearm, particularly the radius, is commonly used in BMD assessments as it can reveal bone density losses that may not be apparent at other skeletal sites. The distal forearm is significant in evaluating individuals at risk for wrist and forearm fractures, especially in postmenopausal women. These three sites are chosen based on a balance of accessibility, the relevance of the skeletal structure in relation to fracture risk, and the ability to represent overall skeletal health in the context of osteoporosis evaluation.