BMD
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Bone mineral density |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Military |
BMD has two meanings. It stands for Bone mineral density (medical imaging) or Ballistic missile defense (weapon and military equipment).
Meanings of BMD at a glance
| # | BMD stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bone mineral density | Medical › Medical Imaging |
| 2 | Ballistic missile defense | Military › Weapon and Military Equipment |
1. Bone mineral density
Medical · Medical Imaging Abbreviations
Amount of mineral per area of bone, measured by DXA in grams per square centimeter and converted to T- and Z-scores. It is the main measurable predictor of osteoporotic fracture risk and is used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor treatment.
Example: BMD at the spine improved 5% after two years of therapy.
Each standard deviation decrease in BMD raises fracture risk roughly 1.5- to 2.5-fold. Spinal BMD can be falsely raised by arthritis, compression fractures or aortic calcification, so the hip is often more reliable in older adults. Quantitative CT and some ultrasound devices also estimate bone density.
2. Ballistic missile defense
Military · Weapon and Military Equipment Abbreviations
Systems that detect, track and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, including the US Ground-based Midcourse Defense, the Navy's Aegis BMD, THAAD and Patriot. Defenses are layered to engage missiles in different phases of flight.
Example: The destroyer is part of the Aegis BMD force stationed in Japan.
Debate over BMD has shaped arms control since the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, from which the United States withdrew in 2002. Intercepting a warhead in flight is often compared to hitting a bullet with a bullet. The Missile Defense Agency leads US development.
Related abbreviations
More medical imaging abbreviations
- ALARA – As low as reasonably achievable
- AP – Anteroposterior
- AXR – Abdominal X-ray
- BI-RADS – Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System
- CBCT – Cone-beam computed tomography
- CECT – Contrast-enhanced computed tomography
- CIN – Contrast-induced nephropathy
- CT – Computed tomography
See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- ATACMS – Army Tactical Missile System
- ATGM – Anti-tank guided missile
- AWACS – Airborne Warning and Control System
- BFV – Bradley Fighting Vehicle
- BZO – Battle sight zero
- CBU – Cluster bomb unit
- CH – Cargo helicopter
- CIWS – Close-in weapon system
See all 77 weapon and military equipment abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.