How accurate is a heel bone density scan?
On One Hand: Other Bone Scans Provide Greater AccuracyDue to variations in bone density, heel bone density scans do not provide the same accuracy as scans of the hip or spine, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). For this reason, doctors typically use hip and spine scans to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor the effects of osteoporosis treatment. In some cases, scans of the radius bone also prove helpful.On the Other: Heel Scans Can Help Screen Osteoporosis CasesBone density scans of the heel do have value as a screening procedure to identify individuals who may need further osteoporosis testing, the Mayo Clinic reports. These scans are typically performed on small, portable scanning units that provide easier access to testing resources for most individuals, the NOF reports.Bottom LineWhile they lack the accuracy of other testing methods for osteoporosis diagnosis, heel bone density scans help screen potential osteoporosis cases at locations such as pharmacies or hea
