Densitometry is a test that uses X-rays to assess bone density or bone mass. It is used for the advanced diagnosis of osteoporosis (progressive loss of calcium and reduction of bone mass) and for the prevention of bone fractures.
Particularly vulnerable are women who have gone through menopause, and patients with the following factors:
- Women over 45 years of age and men over 55 years of age.
- Early menopause
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Extensive use of corticosteroids
- Thyroid or parathyroid disease
- Smoking
- Low calcium intake
- Low height and malnutrition
- Fracture due to minor trauma
- Chronic renal or hepatic insufficiency.
Is any type of medication used?
No prior preparation by the patient is required. Calcium supplements should be avoided for 24 hours. If you have previously had a radiological test with contrast (barium) or isotopic test, you must wait 10-14 days to undergo densitometry.
What does the test consist of?
After undressing and putting on a gown, you will be placed on the table of the densitometry equipment, remaining still during the test.
The instrument has a movable arm that will move along the hip and lumbar spine. The equipment detects the amount of radiation absorbed and a computer program calculates the bone mineral density of the scanned area. It lasts between 10-30 minutes.
Contraindications
It is a painless, quick, simple and harmless study for the patient and does not involve a significant health risk as the exposure to ionizing radiation is minimal (less than that of a chest X-ray).
It should be avoided in pregnant women or women in doubt of pregnancy.