Bone Density Measurement, is a non-invasive technology that is used for the measurement of the bone mass. Bone mass, in simple terms, is the weight of the skeleton, in total or in specific areas. This measurement is usually performed in the lumbar spine, as well as in the femoral neck, because these are the areas where fractures will most likely occur when the bone mass is low.
In order to measure bone density, the most useful and reliable method is the dual-photon absorptiometry, which is also known as DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry).
DEXA technology is quite safe. The exposure to radiation is very low, almost equivalent to a person being in outdoor areas all day during the summer. With DEXA, a person receives less than 10% of the radiation that they would have received in a typical chest X-ray.
Bone density measurement must be performed:
- In postmenopausal women under 65 years of age that, apart from menopause, have one or more osteoporosis risk factors.
- In all women over 65 years of age, regardless of the risk factors.
- In women and men that take or are expected to take cortisone for a long time period (daily dose equal or greater than 7.5 mg of prednisolone, for 3 months or more).
- In women and men with radiographic vertebral deformity.
- In women and men that have suffered a fracture after a minor wound.
- In women and men that are treated for osteoporosis so that a periodic assessment of the result of the administered treatment can take place.