Breast Imaging Center

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry or bone density scanning is the standard process to measure bone loss. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure which uses a low dose x-ray machine to identify bone density. It is often used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of osteoporosis, which afflicts some 20 million people each year.

Bone density scanning is recommended for the following patients . . .

• Post-menopausal women who do not take estrogen.
• Post-menopausal women taller than 5 feet 7 inches, or weighing less than 125 lbs.
• Men who have clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
• Patients who have had x-ray evidence of a spine fracture and/or other signs of osteoporosis.
• Patients who have had a hip fracture
• Patients who have had a fracture after a mild trauma.
• Patients who have a history of smoking.
• Patients using medications that may cause bone loss including corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications, barbiturates or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
• Patients with type 1 diabetes.
• Patients with liver disease.
• Patients with kidney disease.
• Patients with a family history of osteoporosis.
• Patients with high bone turnover.
• Patients with a thyroid or parathyroid condition.