Bone density measurement

As bone density measurement, also osteodensitometry or DPX (dual photon x-ray), are medical-technical procedures, which serve to determine the bone density or chalk-salt-concentration in the bones. People with diminished chalk-salt-concentration are at higher risk of bone fractures.

The osteodensitometry is possible through the application of the “dual energy x-ray-absorptiometry”-technique (DEXA). This method is recommended by medical societies worldwide as the most reliable examination procedure.

The application of the bone density measurement is advisable in following situations:

  • for men and women with known risk-factors (familiar burden, diminished production of sexual-hormones, diseases that can cause osteoporosis)
  • patients with suspicious medical findings in their x-rays
  • long treatment with medicine that decreases bone density (e.g. cortisone)
  • after organ transplantations (after a heart transplantation the risk of an osteoporosis with bone fractures is 30%)
  • special bone diseases for treatment monitoring
  • smoker anamnesis (nicotine abuse)