Bone Density Scanning

What is the  purpose of a bone density scan?

A bone density scan measures the strength of an individual's bones and determines the risk of fracture. An observation of any osteoporosis present can be made.

Which patiens typically  are requested to have a bone scan?

A patient who

• is at risk for osteoporosis
• is near menopause
• has broken a bone after a modest trauma
• has a family history of osteoporosis
• uses steroid or antiseizure medications
• has had a period of restricted mobility for more than six months

What happens during  a bone density scan?

The patient puts on a hospital gown and lies on the bed underneath the scanner, a curving plastic arm that emits x rays. These low-dose x rays form a fan beam that rotates around the patient.

During the test, the scanner moves to capture images of the patient's spine, hip or entire body. A computer then compares the patient's bone strength and risk of fracture to that of other people at the same age and to young people at peak bone density.

Bones reach peak density at age 30 and then start to lose mass. The test takes about 20 minutes to do and is painless.

Osteoporosis