It’s called a DEXA scan and it’s a simple quick scan l add ting on table taking less than five minutes. You don’t even have to change your clothes. It measures the mineral density of the cortical bones (outer bone structure) of your spine and femur hip usually.
But now there is evidence that people need to also get a Trebecular Bone
Score done at the same time. The TBS measures the inside micro architecture or “scaffolding” thst basically holds together snd supports the outer cortical bone. The TBS is just getting known in the US the last couple years so not every imaging place has it but it’s critical to know this score. You can get DEXA and think you’re in good shape while your inner scaffolding could be very weak and prone to fracture. My burst compression fractures were the result of the inner scaffolding crumbling to pieces and falling causing the three inches height loss. A backward fall on concrete is what eventually caused my trauma in spine and fractured skull. I suggest people start asking for and demanding the TBS testing when they get the DEXA. It is about $50 but if ordered by doctor totally covered by Medicare.