Bone density, more precisely bone mineral density, is the amount of mineral, chiefly calcium and phosphorus in the form of hydroxyapatite, per unit area or volume of bone, and it serves as a principal measure of skeletal strength and fracture risk. It reflects the lifelong balance of bone formation by osteoblasts an…
Bone density, more precisely bone mineral density, is the amount of mineral, chiefly calcium and phosphorus in the form of hydroxyapatite, per unit area or volume of bone, and it serves as a principal measure of skeletal strength and fracture risk. It reflects the lifelong balance of bone formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts, which is modulated by mechanical loading, hormonal status, vitamin D and calcium availability, age, and genetic factors. Peak bone mass is attained in early adulthood, after which density tends to decline, and excessive loss leads to osteopenia and osteoporosis, conditions marked by microarchitectural deterioration and susceptibility to fragility fractures of the hip, spine, and other sites. Bone mineral density is most commonly quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed relative to reference populations, guiding diagnosis and management. Maintenance and treatment strategies address nutrition, weight-bearing activity, vitamin D and calcium status, and pharmacological intervention, while certain chronic diseases and toxic exposures accelerate bone loss. Research in skeletal and bone-health science includes studies of osteoporosis prevention and knowledge, vitamin D effects on osteoblast activity, the influence of metals such as cadmium on bone, fragility and hip fractures in ageing populations, and bone-defect healing, work that addresses the determinants, assessment, and clinical consequences of reduced bone mineral density.
12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 12 articles above have been cited 36 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Bone Density, linking to each citing work.