The bone densitometer measures your bone mineral density (BMD) and compares your measurements to a reference group based on your age, weight, sex, and ethnic background. This information will be used in making a diagnosis about your bone status and risk of fracture.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is most often used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men.