Bone density scanning is an enhanced form of x-ray technology used to determine the degree of bone loss in a patient. This non-invasive study is usually performed on the lower spine and hips. The results are then compared to others with similar age, sex, and ethnic backgrounds.
Patients are referred for this test for multiple reasons. The most common is osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Patients with conditions that affect bone mineral density or that are on medications known to cause bone loss will benefit from this imaging procedure.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.