Bone densitometry is routinely used to assess the skeleton in patients who have diseases or conditions that can cause low bone mass. However, there are some areas of controversy related to the interpretation of bone densitometry results. To address these issues, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) convened a Position Development Conference in Denver, Colorado, July 20-22, 2001. The ISCD is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary society whose main mission is to promote quality in the performance and interpretation of bone densitometry examinations.