Bone densitometry uses X-rays to determine the mineral salt content of the bones. The examination is performed lying down, is painless and the radiation exposure is extremely low. The lower the mineral salt content detected, the greater the risk of bone fractures in the context of osteoporosis.
The medical background of bone density measurement: Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic diseases of the skeletal system. Increased bone resorption leads to a loss of substance, which weakens the bone. Compared to healthy bone, the latter becomes less resilient and therefore more susceptible to fractures. The disease mainly affects women after menopause and usually begins unnoticed. It is often diagnosed – too late – only during the treatment of an unexpected bone fracture (e.g. of the femoral neck).
The result of the bone density measurement, together with other findings (such as laboratory tests regarding kidney function, parathyroid function, etc.), then forms the basis of the therapy proposal, which is discussed with the patient in the nuclear medicine office.