Bone density scanning (DEXA scan)

Bone densitometry

A bone densitometry scan measures your bone density (thickness). Bone densitometry is also called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan. DEXA scans are normally done on your hip, spine or forearm (lower arm).

The test helps determine if someone has osteoporosis and can tell doctors how advanced the condition is and what treatment to propose. Often, people do not realize that they have "brittle bones" until they have fallen and broken one. Bone density tests are fairly quick and painless.