A Practical Approach to Interpretation of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for Assessment of Bone Density

Osteoporosis is an extremely common disorder that may result in fractures in several locations. Hip fractures associated with osteoporosis can result in mortality. The defining characteristic of osteoporosis is reduced bone mineral density as identified by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Depending on specific factors, related to the clinical status of the patient or technical aspects of the test itself, interpretation of a DXA examination ranges from straightforward to complicated. We present an approach to evaluation of these factors and production of a clinically relevant report. In this approach, initial screening examinations are regarded as straightforward, follow-up examinations are mildly complex, and examinations that require recalculation of data are complex.