Bone Densitometry

AVAILABLE AT: Mediclinic Bloemfontein

A Bone Densitometry (DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is quick and painless and the preferred procedure for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Using low-dose X-rays with two distinct energy peaks that are absorbed by soft tissue and bone respectively, a total density value is obtained. By subtracting the soft tissue density value from this total, the bone mineral density is obtained.

Values for the lower spine and femur are usually calculated. The calculated bone mineral density is then compared to values from normal reference populations to determine if it falls into normal, osteopenia or osteoporotic ranges.