A dual energy densitometer (10) includes a solid state linear x-ray detector (13) which may be swept across the patient with the movement of a poly-energetic fan beam (23) of x-rays to produce a digital bone density image. A broad spectrum film plate (25) interposed between the detector (13) and the patient simultaneously provides a full spectrum radiographic image of high resolution and low parallax such as may be used for morphometric studies. Intervertebral spaces (40) may be used to measure vertebrate heights which may be statistically combined to provide a standard against which crush fractures may be detected.