Bone densitometry is a simple, non-invasive test that is fast and painless. This test measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites that are most susceptible to fractures due to osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.
Osteoporosis affects over 25 million Americans and is responsible for over one million bone fractures each year. Bone densitometry can detect bone loss that makes you susceptible to fractures during its earliest stage.
The results of the test will enable your physician to make an early diagnosis of osteoporosis and begin a course of treatment. Since medication is now available, which actually reverses the bone loss process, this test is also a valuable tool used to monitor the effectiveness of the medication. A bone densitometry test may also be recommended if you are postmenopausal, taking steroid medication, have hyperthyroidism, or have had a fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected.