Bone mineral density
A thin, low-dose X-ray beam measures how much mineral each square centimetre of spine and hip bone contains — the standard definition of bone strength.
Diagnostics · Standard
DEXA Bone Density Measurement
A low-dose X-ray measurement of bone mineral density, used to assess bone strength before treatment decisions.
What it is
Strong plans need strong bone
DEXA — dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry — is the established standard for measuring bone density, usually at the lower spine and hips. It is quick, painless and non-invasive, and in spine care its main job is answering one question honestly: is this bone fit for what is planned?
Compared two ways
Results are reported against a young-healthy reference and against peers of your age, determining whether bone is normal, low, or osteoporotic.
Fracture-risk context
Age, weight, prior fractures, family history and habits such as smoking feed into the overall fracture-risk picture alongside the scan.
Vertebral check included
The same machine can add a low-dose spine screen for silent vertebral fractures — common, painful, and often previously unnoticed.
Common questions
Things patients ask us
Who needs a bone density scan?
Typically post-menopausal women, long-term steroid users, anyone with a prior fragility fracture, and patients whose conditions or medications weaken bone — your physician decides if it changes management.
Why does it matter before spine surgery?
Implants need strong bone to sit against, and fusions need bone that heals. Low density can redirect the entire treatment plan — discovering it beforehand protects you.
How should I prepare?
Avoid calcium supplements beforehand, wear metal-free clothing, and mention recent barium, contrast or nuclear-medicine studies. Tell the team if you are pregnant.
How often is it repeated?
Only when a new result would change treatment — for example to judge whether bone therapy is working. Repeat scans are compared on the same machine.
Start with your case.
Send your history and any imaging you already have. The ProSpine team will review your case and respond with the next steps.
Free · No obligation · Reviewed by the ProSpine team