To help with the understanding of the DEXA . It picks up all bones scanned. The DEXA can only be used to capture the lumbar vertebrae in the spine area because that’s the only place where other bones wouldn’t be picked up as part of the scan. If they scanned higher the measurement would begin picking up the ribs, and if moving higher yet other bones like the clavicles (shoulder blades) would be picked up. , Hope that helps to make this clear!!!