About Bone Density Scans

One in two women and one in eight men over the age of 50 have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and more prone to breaking. People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall can cause a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Currently, in the United States, 18 million individuals have low bone mass.

A Bone Density Scan is a low-dose x-ray which checks an area of the body such as hip, spine, hand or foot for signs of mineral loss and bone thinning. NYU Medical at Columbus is equipped with the most convenient, rapid and accurate bone density equipment. Our scan may be a useful tool for the early detection of bone abnormalities in people with any of the following risk factors:

• Female gender
• Thin, small frame
• Advanced age
• Family history
• Early menopause
• Low calcium diet
• Steroid use
• Inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Caucasian or Asian