BONE DENSITY MEASUREMENT (DEXA SCAN)

This is a radiological examination used to calculate and quantify the bone mass of the body. It is the most accurate method for diagnosing osteoporosis, a condition that primarily affects older adults, though it is increasingly observed in younger individuals as well. According to medical guidelines, it is recommended that both women and men undergo at least one bone density scan after the age of 50, and then, depending on the results of this initial reference test, repeat the examination at regular intervals (every 2–3 years or as advised by the physician).

The procedure is painless and very simple. The patient lies in a supine position, the scan lasts only a few minutes, and the results are provided immediately. There are two main types of commonly used bone densitometry scans: Measurement of the left or right hip, and Measurement of the lumbar spine (lower back). Depending on the area targeted by the densitometry device, the scan may focus on a specific site or be performed as a combined scan of multiple skeletal regions.