Towards Healthcare

Bone Densitometer Market Size, Key Players and Transforming Point-of-Care Osteoporosis Screening

Market insights predict the global bone densitometer industry will increase from USD 321.59 million in 2024 to USD 489.94 million by 2034, achieving a CAGR of 4.3%. The bone densitometer market focuses on devices that measure bone mineral density (BMD) to diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. Driven by an aging population, rising osteoporosis cases, and technological advancements, the market includes hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers worldwide.

Insight Code: 5125 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel
Last Updated: 01 April 2025 Category: Medical Devices

Principal Consultant

Deepa Pandey

Reviewed By

Aditi Shivarkar

The bone densitometer market is anticipated to grow from USD 335.42 million in 2025 to USD 489.94 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rising prevalence of skeletal disorders and technological advancements are the major growth factors of the market.

Bone Densitometer Market Size 2023 - 2034

Report Highlights:

  • North America dominated the global market in 2024.
  • Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow rapidly in the market in the coming years.
  • By technology, the axial bone densitometry segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
  • By technology, the peripheral bone densitometry segment is expected to show lucrative growth in the market during the forecast period.
  • By application, the osteoporosis & osteopenia diagnosis segment led the market in 2024.
  • By application, the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.
  • By end-use, the hospitals segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.
  • By end-use, the specialty clinics segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years.

Bone Densitometer Market Overview

In India, 60 million people have osteoporosis, with 80% of them being women. Due to the increasing prevalence of bone issues, there is a growing demand for densitometers.

A bone densitometer is a unique machine doctors use to check our bones' strength. This is important because it helps them determine if someone's bones might be weak and more likely to break. One big problem it helps detect is osteoporosis, where bones become fragile. Doctors use this machine to see if someone's bones are less dense than they should be. They can then decide if the person needs treatment or advice to make their bones stronger and prevent fractures.

This machine is helpful for a few reasons. It's great for checking older adults, especially women after menopause, who are at higher risk of osteoporosis. It helps doctors monitor how strong their bones are and catch any problems early. It's good for keeping track of changes in bone density over time. This means doctors can see if treatments are working or if there's a higher risk of breaking bones.

Bone densitometry isn't just for osteoporosis. It's also used in other conditions that can affect bone health, like cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. So, it's a versatile tool in healthcare.

The market for bone densitometers has grown a lot recently. That's partly because people are more aware of the importance of bone health, especially as populations age. As we live longer, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases, so more people need bone density tests. Also, the machines are getting better and easier to use, thanks to new technology. This makes them more accurate and available in more places, which means more people can benefit from them.

  • In November 2024, Echolight announced a collaboration with Siemens Healthineers to distribute Echolight’s bone densitometers in support of their Women’s Health solutions. Echolight’s REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) is a radiation-free technology that measures bone density and microarchitecture.
  • In October 2023, GE Healthcare announced a 10-year partnership with University Hospitals to provide contemporary equipment and digital solutions to improve processes for the benefit of patients and clinicians. The agreement included numerous novel systems, including bone densitometry.
  • In February 2023, GE Healthcare signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s My Clinic to install its suite of advanced precision diagnostic and imaging solutions in My Clinic’s upcoming facility. My Clinic would have access to GE Healthcare’s latest innovations, including a bone densitometer.

What is the Role of AI in the Bone Densitometer Market?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the market by developing novel and advanced bone densitometers. Integrating AI in bone densitometers can enhance diagnostic accuracy, enabling healthcare professionals to make effective clinical decisions. AI can enhance opportunistic screening for osteoporosis and improve fracture risk assessment. It leads to improved sensitivity and specificity of bone densitometers. It can automate the detection of bone disorders and reduce manual errors. It leads to the early diagnosis of bone disorders, enabling timely intervention and the prevention of fractures and their complications. It can also predict the risk of developing severe bone disorders.

Bone Densitometers are Crucial for Monitoring Older People's Bone Health

As people age, their bones can weaken and break more easily. This is especially true for older folks, especially women, after they've gone through menopause. To help keep an eye on bone health and catch any problems early, doctors use a particular machine called a Bone Densitometer. This machine measures how strong someone's bones are by checking their density.

Regions with 50 Million or More People Aged 65 and Over in 2021

As the elderly population grows, we can expect more cases of these bone-related problems. Since older adults are more likely to have issues like osteoporosis, where bones become fragile, the need for bone densitometer is increasing. These machines are crucial for checking and watching over bone health in older people, helping doctors decide what treatments or precautions might be needed.

Because there are more and more older folks worldwide, the demand for these bone density tests is increasing, too. This has caused the market for bone densitometers to grow. And because technology keeps improving, these machines are getting more precise and accessible for doctors to use, so they're becoming available in more places. Because the world's population is getting older, there's a more significant need for bone densitometers to help keep bones strong and prevent breaks in older adults.

Early Detection of Osteoporosis Allows Doctors to Recommend Treatments to Strengthen Bones and Reduce Fracture Risks

The increasing number of women experiencing osteoporosis after menopause is expected to boost market growth significantly. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, around 200 million women worldwide have osteoporosis. Among them, approximately 1 in 10 women aged 60, 2 in 5 aged 80, 1 in 5 aged 70, and 2 in 3 aged 90 have osteoporosis. Additionally, about 1 in 3 women over 50 suffer from osteoporotic fractures.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones get fragile and break easily. This has increased demand for bone densitometers, special machines that check bone strength. These devices are essential for finding out if someone's bones are weak, a sign they might have osteoporosis. With more people learning about osteoporosis and its risks, there's a more significant push for early detection and prevention. This is especially true because the population is getting older, and older people are more likely to have osteoporosis.

Doctors use Bone Densitometers to determine how strong someone's bones are and if they're at risk of breaking. By catching osteoporosis early, doctors can suggest treatments like medicine, vitamins, and changes in lifestyle to make bones stronger and lower the chances of fractures. Furthermore, because bone densitometer technology is improving, these machines are becoming more accurate and easier to use. This means they're becoming more popular in hospitals, clinics, and places where people get medical check-ups worldwide. So, as more people understand the importance of bone health, the demand for bone densitometers keeps increasing, and companies that make them are selling more.

Increasing Prevalence of Kidney Diseases

According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease is a significant cause of death worldwide. In the United States, around 37 million adults (which is about 1 in 7) have kidney disease, but most of them, about 90%, don't even know it. Even among those with severe kidney disease, 2 out of 5 people are unaware of their condition. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., which is roughly 80 million people, are at risk of developing kidney disease.

Kidney diseases can lead to bone problems because the kidneys help regulate minerals like calcium, which is essential for bone strength. When kidneys aren't working correctly, it can affect how our bodies use calcium and other minerals, weakening bones. This can increase the risk of fractures and other bone-related issues. As a result, doctors often use bone densitometers to check bone density in people with kidney diseases. By measuring bone density, doctors can assess the risk of bone complications and make treatment decisions. With the rise in kidney diseases, mainly due to factors like diabetes and high blood pressure, the demand for bone densitometers has increased. These machines play a crucial role in managing the bone health of individuals with kidney diseases, helping to prevent fractures and improve overall quality of life.

For instance,

  • G.E. Healthcare created Lunar Expert, a densitometer featuring enhanced spatial resolution, allowing clinicians to better identify and assess risks through advanced visualization while minimizing image blurring.

As awareness grows about the connection between kidney and bone health, the importance of Bone Densitometers in diagnosing and monitoring bone density in kidney disease patients continues to rise, driving up demand for these essential medical devices.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry Scans are Gaining Popularity for their Effectiveness in Detecting Bone Issues Early

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a fancy name for an essential machine in healthcare. It's like a special camera that takes pictures of our bones to see how strong they are. Doctors use DEXA scans to check for osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and more likely to break. These scans help doctors find out if someone's bones are less dense than they should be, which could mean they're at risk of fractures. DEXA scans are becoming more popular because they're good at spotting bone problems early on.

As people live longer, the risk of osteoporosis increases, which means more people need these scans to keep their bones healthy. Additionally, DEXA machines are getting better and more accessible, so more hospitals and clinics can have them. DEXA plays a significant role in strengthening our bones and preventing fractures as we age.

Acquiring and Maintaining Bone Densitometers Can Be Costly

The cost of the machine can be a big problem for hospitals and clinics, especially those in poorer areas. Even after buying the machine, there are ongoing costs like calibration and training staff to use it. Because of this, some places might not have access to bone density tests, especially in areas with little healthcare money.

The high cost of these machines can make it hard for doctors to decide if it's worth buying them. They might worry about not making enough money from doing bone density tests or if insurance needs to cover the cost better. This means fewer people might get the tests they need, affecting how well conditions like osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated.

To fix this, we must find ways to make bone density tests more affordable. This could mean offering hospitals financial help or promoting cheaper testing options. By doing this, more people can get the necessary tests, improving bone health for everyone.

Segmental Insights

Axial Bone Densitometry Segment Dominated

By technology, the axial bone densitometry segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024. Axial bone densitometry involves dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis to assess an individual’s risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. It is considered the gold standard for evaluating bone mineral density. Axial densitometry is more accurate than peripheral densitometry for diagnosing osteoporosis. This enables healthcare professionals to guide appropriate treatment interventions.

Peripheral Bone Densitometry Segment to Show Lucrative Growth

By technology, the peripheral bone densitometry segment is expected to show lucrative growth in the market during the forecast period. Peripheral bone densitometry can measure bone mineral density in peripheral sites such as the wrist, heel, or finger. It is primarily used for screening purposes and monitoring specific peripheral skeletal sites. The growing demand for screening bone disorders due to suitable government policies augments the segment’s growth.

Osteoporosis & Osteopenia Diagnosis Segment Led in 2024

By application, the osteoporosis & osteopenia diagnosis segment led the market in 2024. Osteopenia refers to lower bone density, while osteoporosis is a more severe form where bone density is significantly reduced, increasing the risk of fracture. The rising prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia boosts the segment’s growth. Approximately one-tenth of women, accounting for 200 million women globally, are estimated to be affected by osteoporosis. The increasing prevalence of post-menstrual disorders and the rising geriatric population increase the need for monitoring bone strength.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Segment: Fastest-Growing

By application, the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints. The rising prevalence of RA and its severity propel the segment’s growth. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, approximately 31.7 million individuals will be living with RA globally by 2050. RA is generally caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.

Hospitals Segment Held the Largest Share

By end-use, the hospitals segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. The segmental growth is attributed to suitable capital investments and favorable infrastructure. The increasing number of hospitalizations due to favorable reimbursement policies and the presence of skilled professionals foster the segment’s growth. Hospitals are also part of clinical trials to test novel bone densitometers on human subjects. Additionally, they stay up-to-date with the latest medical equipment.

Specialty Clinics Segment: Fastest-Growing

By end-use, the specialty clinics segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. Specialty clinics possess the specialized equipment for diagnosing bone disorders. The increasing number of specialty clinics and the presence of trained professionals contribute to the segment’s growth. Professionals in specialty clinics provide personalized care to the patients through advanced diagnostic equipment.

Geographical Landscape

North America has the largest share of the market for bone densitometers. The demand is expected to increase because big companies work together to improve their research and medical standards. Also, many people in this region have osteoporosis, which is a significant reason for this. Advanced healthcare infrastructure favors the adoption of advanced bone densitometers in a healthcare setting, and state-of-the-art research and development facilities support the development of novel and more advanced densitometers. The presence of key players also contributes to market growth. Key players like GE Healthcare and Hologic, Inc. hold a major share of the market.

  • According to the Arthritis Society, the report mentioned that over half (52%) of Canadians with osteoarthritis are below 65 years old. Additionally, almost 4 million Canadians, which is about one in seven adults, have osteoarthritis. Because of this, the market for research in this area is expected to grow in the coming years.

Experts expect the Asia Pacific market to grow rapidly in the coming years. This is because there's a significant demand to reduce the increasing number of cases, people in the region have more money to spend, and healthcare facilities are improving. Also, countries like China and India are becoming more interested in treating osteoporosis, which will likely make the market bigger.

For instance,

  • According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, by 2050, about half of all hip fractures due to osteoporosis worldwide will happen in this region.

The market in Asia-Pacific is also driven by the rising geriatric population and the growing awareness of post-menopausal symptoms. According to a recent cross-sectional study from Northern India involving 539 women, 82.2% of postmenopausal females experienced osteoporotic fractures. Favorable government policies and incentives support the adoption of portable bone densitometers.

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

Hady El-Khoury, Regional General Manager of MENEAT for GE Healthcare, commented that the increasing shift to value-based care and the ongoing innovations and improvements in clinical procedures enable more utilization of outpatient settings for hospital services. The collaboration would help My Clinic Riyadh deliver advanced healthcare services, improving patient experience and facilitating decision-making for healthcare professionals.

Recent Developments

  • In February 2024, Fujifilm India announced the installation of “FDX Visionary-DR”, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, at the inauguration of the Center for Sports Injury in Delhi. The device features 3D technology that uses routine bone mineral density images to create 3D models of the femur.
  • In November 2023, Bupa Hong Kong and Quality Healthcare Medical Services Limited announced the opening of a new diagnostics and imaging center, Alpha Medical Diagnostic Center, in Mong Kok at Pioneer Center. The novel 6,000 sq. ft. facility was developed to offer advanced diagnostic services, including bone densitometry.

Bone Densitometer Market Companies

Bone Densitometer Market Segments

By Technology

  • Axial Bone Densitometry
    • Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
    • Quantitative computed tomography (QCT)
  • Peripheral Bone Densitometry
    • Single Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (SEXA)
    • Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (pDEXA)
    • Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA)
    • Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS)
    • Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT)

By Application

  • Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Diagnosis
  • Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis
  • Body Composition Measurement Diagnosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Aiagnosis

By End User

  • Hospitals
  • Speciality Clinics
  • Others

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait

Meet the Team

Deepa Pandey is a healthcare market research expert with 2+ years of experience, specializing in analyzing market trends, regulatory impacts, and emerging opportunities to guide strategic decision-making in the healthcare sector.

Learn more about Deepa Pandey

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years of healthcare market research experience, ensures the accuracy, clarity, and relevance of reports. Her expertise helps businesses make informed decisions and stay competitive in healthcare sectors.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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Bone Densitometer Market Size Surges $489.94 Mn by 2034
FAQ's

Bone densitometers are primarily used for measuring bone mineral density to diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk. They are also utilized to monitor response to osteoporosis treatments and assess bone health in hyperparathyroidism and Pagets disease.

One of the challenges in the bone densitometer market is the high cost associated with purchasing and maintaining these devices.

North America leads the market growth of bone densitometers due to initiatives by prominent businesses enhancing research and development capabilities, maintaining high medical standards, and addressing the significant burden of illnesses like osteoporosis in the region.

World Health Organization, National Osteoporosis Foundation, National Institute of Health, Food and Drug Administration and ScienceDirect.