Bone density studies: current technology

Osteoporosis is a serious public health problem that causes at least 1.3 million fractures and costs more than $6 billion annually. Bone densitometry studies provide clinicians with a way to detect this silent disease in the early stages, before skeletal fragility has occurred. This article describes the three major techniques of bone densitometry and provides guidelines for screening individuals at risk and for understanding the results in clinical practice. Controversies over techniques and management issues are also discussed.