Osteoporosis

Frequently Asked Questions

13. Are there different types of bone density tests?

Some bone density tests measure the strength of the hip, spine, and/or wrist, which are the bones that break most often in people with osteoporosis. Other tests measure bone in the heel or hand.

One way to measure bone density is by a DXA scan, which estimates what your risk for a fracture is. It could show that you have normal bone density. Or, it could show that you have osteopenia, or even osteoporosis.