What is a bone density test and why is it necessary?
Bone density testing, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).

A bone density test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, one of the most easily prevented diseases today, is a potentially crippling disorder affecting over 75 million people worldwide. It causes bones to become fragile and renders them more susceptible to breaking. In the past, osteoporosis could only be detected after a bone was broken. By that time, however, the bones could be quite weak. A bone density test makes it possible to determine your risk of breaking bones before the fact. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are in a segment of bone.

Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:
• are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen
• have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking
• are a post-menopausal woman who is tall or thin
• are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss
• use medications that are known to cause bone loss
• have type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
• have high bone turnover
• have a thyroid condition
• have a parathyroid condition
• have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
• have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.

A bone density test is a quick and painless procedure. Routine evaluations every two years are recommended to assess changes in bone mineral density.

For more information on Bone Density, see the Bone Density section on RadiologyInfo.

what is a bone density test?
why cape radiology group?
preparation required