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The most commonly used test to measure bone density is the Dexa scan . A bone density test — also called densitometry or DXA scan — determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.

Who should get a bone density scan?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing if you are:

• A woman age 65 or older
• A postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• A man age 70 or older
• A man between age 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• Older than age 50 and you've experienced a broken bone
• A postmenopausal woman and you've stopped taking estrogen/hormone therapy

The test is fast and convenient.

A bone density scan is a quick procedure. Simply come into our office, remove one shoe and sock, and place your ankle in the Dexa machine. There is no pain, and it takes just a few minutes. The results are instant!

A fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture.

A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.

What a bone density test is used for.

• Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
• Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you've experienced broken bones
• Monitor osteoporosis treatment

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