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Bone density scan
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A bone density scan is a test that measures how much calcium and other minerals are inside your bones. The more minerals, the denser the bone, and a dense bone tends to be stronger and to break less easily.
The most common way to measure this is called DXA, which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: it uses radiation to calculate how much mineral is present in a specific area of bone. It usually looks at the hip and the spine, because those are weak points where bones break most often. With that number your doctor can identify and diagnose osteoporosis, the disease in which bone loses density, gauge your fracture risk, and monitor whether osteoporosis treatment is working.
In brief
A bone density scan measures the calcium and other minerals in bone. Bone with more minerals is denser, and therefore stronger and less likely to break.
The most common form is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA, which uses radiation to measure the minerals in a specific area of bone, usually the hip and spine.
It is used to identify and diagnose osteoporosis, gauge fracture risk, and monitor whether osteoporosis treatment is working.
Sources (1)
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesBone Mineral Density Tests: What the Numbers Mean
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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