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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. A bone density test is a . 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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