Bone Densitometry

Several methods are available to measure bone density, but currently the most widely used technique is DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). This is the method used to determine efficacy in the recent large clinical trials, and to characterize fracture risk in large epidemiological studies. Older methods such as single photon absorptiometry do not predict hip fractures as well as DEXA.

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).