What is a dexa scan used for?

Bone density: A DEXA scan checks the bone density, and is compared to bone density of other women. The lower the bone density the greater the chance of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis: The other name for DEXA scan is bone densitometry. It studies the density of calcium and pattern of deposition of calcium in certain bones and from that the presence of osteoporosis is calculated and compared with cohorts of the same age, the possibility of having fracture if untreated is also calculated.

Bone density: Measuring bone density and comparing it to age matched and young adult averages. Low bone density(osteopenia, osteoporosis) can be diagnosed. Relative fracture risk can be estimated. Treatment for low bone density can be assessed with DEXA.