RESUMEN
Several noninvasive methods for assessing bone mass have emerged over the last two decades, namely, single photon absorptiometry (SPA), dual photon absorptiometry, and quantitative computerized tomography. These techniques have proved to be sensitive and reproducible, with absorptiometry causing minimal radiation exposure. Several studies on osteoporosis have shown that its frequency varies in different racial groups; for example, Hispanics and Blacks in the USA appear to be the least affected by osteoporosis. It was therefore important to establish the normal standard of measurements of bone mass among healthy Saudi population using SPA to be used for clinical applications such as predicting the risk of fractures, monitoring the response to therapy, and quantitating the severity of metabolic bone disease.