Bone Density Screening

Bone density screening measures bone mineral density, the amount of bone mineral per volume of bone tissue, using a procedure called densitometry that is painless, non-invasive and involves low radiation exposure, usually scanning the lumbar spine and the upper hip, or the forearm if those sites are inaccessible. Because there is a statistical association between poor bone density and a higher probability of fracture, a significant public-health problem especially among elderly women who fall, bone density screening is used to identify people at risk of osteoporosis and to guide measures that might improve bone strength.