What is the primary use of a peripheral DXA device?

The primary use of a peripheral DXA device is to assess bone density in specific anatomical sites such as the heel, finger, or wrist. Peripheral DXA is advantageous for screening purposes because it allows for quick, portable assessments of bone mineral density outside of the central areas like the spine and hip. These devices provide valuable information to identify individuals who may be at risk for osteoporosis and fractures based on localized bone density measurements. The use of peripheral sites is instrumental in early detection and enables further evaluation with more comprehensive central DXA scans if necessary.