Bone Density Measurement (DXA Method)

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is often called the "creeping" or "quiet" disease.  There are very few ways to recognize bone loss early in life.

One is the bone density measurement with the DXA procedure.  During this process a low level of radiation is sent through the body by a special x-ray technology to determine the mineral content of the bones, which is directly linked to bone stability.

A full-body scan is an integral part of the diagnosis.  During the first examination an x-ray of the breast/lumbar verterbrae should also be taken.

A bone density measurement cannot definitively predict a bone fracture, just as a high cholesterol reading by itself cannot predetermine a heart attack. But a bone density reading can predict the risk of fracture in comparison to a normal bone, for instance in the aging process.

Your own results taken in context with other examination results provide an overall risk estimate.