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For osteoporosis — densitometry or a plain X-ray?
The short answer: densitometry is preferred for diagnosing osteoporosis. A plain X-ray shows only advanced loss and fractures.
What does a plain X-ray show?
An X-ray shows the shape of the bone and any fractures well. Where a vertebral fracture is suspected, it is the right investigation.
But a fall in bone density only becomes visible on an X-ray once the loss is considerable.
So "my X-ray was normal" does not prove that osteoporosis is absent.
What does densitometry do?
Densitometry (DXA) measures the mineral density of bone and gives the result as a number.
That number both supports a diagnosis and allows the effect of treatment to be compared years later.
The scan is quick, painless and needs no special preparation.
Who is it recommended for?
- Women after the menopause
- Women over 65 and men over 70
- People taking steroid medicines long-term
- People who have had a fracture after a minor fall
- People who have lost height or whose upper back is curving
Osteoporosis gives no symptoms for a long time. That is why, in a risk group, the assessment is done without waiting for symptoms.
What happens after the result?
The result is assessed together with calcium, vitamin D and kidney function.
In confirmed osteoporosis, calcium tablets alone are often not enough. Whether further treatment is needed is decided from the densitometry result.
Last updated: 3 September 2026
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