A DXA scan is recommended for the following patients: All women ≥ 65 years Women between menopause and age 65 who have risk factors, including a family history of osteoporosis, a low body mass index, and use of tobacco and / or drugs with a high risk of bone loss (eg, glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors) Patients (men and women) of any age who have had fragility fractures Patients with evidence on imaging studies of decreased bone mineral density or asymptomatic vertebral compression fractures incidentally noted on imaging studies Patients at risk of secondary osteoporosis Current central DXA systems can also assess vertebral deformities in the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, a procedure termed vertebral fracture assessment (VFA).