Which degenerative condition can affect bone mineral density (BMD) results?

Scoliosis is a degenerative condition that can significantly affect bone mineral density (BMD) results. As scoliosis involves an abnormal curvature of the spine, it can lead to uneven distribution of weight and stress on the bones. This mechanical factor can influence how bone mass is built and maintained throughout the lifecycle. In individuals with scoliosis, changes in posture and spinal alignment may result in localized areas of increased or decreased mechanical load, potentially leading to abnormal bone density values when examined through BMD testing.

Furthermore, the compensatory mechanisms that the body employs in response to scoliosis, such as altered biomechanics and muscle imbalances, may also contribute to variations in bone density in specific areas of the spine. This can complicate the interpretation of BMD results, as readings may not accurately reflect overall systemic bone health.

The other conditions listed, while significant in their own right, do not have a direct mechanical impact on the spine or skeletal structure in the same way scoliosis does. Diabetes can influence bone health through metabolic changes, but it does not directly affect the curvature of the spine or lead to mechanical loading issues that are characteristic of scoliosis. Hypertension mainly pertains to cardiovascular health, and asthma primarily affects respiratory function rather than bone structure itself. Thus,