Bone Densitometry

This film is intended for anyone wishing to know more about the examination procedure that lasts approximately 20 minutes and does not require any injection. This film addresses both patients and their loved ones. Bone Densitometry or Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, is a radiological technique using low-intensity X-rays. It measures the bone mineral content (in grams) per surface area unit (in square centimetres). Bone mineral density increases from birth until the age of 20 to 25, then remains stable until the age of 35 to 40, and then progressively diminishes. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterised by low bone mineral density and progressive deterioration of the bone tissue's microarchitecture, with an increasing fracture risk. Therefore, it is important to both measure bone mineral density as well as to determine if the patient has any undetected vertebral fractures.