Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2007 Aug;83(982):509-17.
doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2007.057505.

The role of DXA bone density scans in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis

Glen M Blake  1 , Ignac Fogelman
Affiliations
Review

The role of DXA bone density scans in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis

Glen M Blake et al. Postgrad Med J. 2007 Aug.

Abstract

Dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip have an important role in the evaluation of individuals at risk of osteoporosis, and in helping clinicians advise patients about the appropriate use of antifracture treatment. Compared with alternative bone densitometry techniques, hip and spine DXA examinations have a number of advantages that include a consensus that BMD results can be interpreted using the World Health Organization T-score definition of osteoporosis, a proven ability to predict fracture risk, proven effectiveness at targeting antifracture therapies, and the ability to monitor response to treatment. This review discusses the evidence for these and other clinical aspects of DXA scanning, including its role in the new WHO algorithm for treating patients on the basis of their individual fracture risk.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Cummings S R, Melton L J. Epidemiology and outcomes of osteoporotic fractures. Lancet 20023591761–1767. - PubMed
    1. Kanis J A, Black D, Cooper C.et al A new approach to the development of assessment guidelines for osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int 200213527–536. - PubMed
    1. Johansen A, Evans R J, Stone M D.et al Fracture incidence in England and Wales: a study based on the population of Cardiff. Injury 199728655–660. - PubMed
    1. Johansen A, Stone M. The cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the United Kingdom female population [letter]. Osteoporos Int 200011551 - PubMed
    1. Dolan P, Torgerson D J. The cost of treating osteoporotic fractures in the United Kingdom female population. Osteoporos Int 19988611–617. - PubMed