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To assist in diagnosing low bone density, physicians may prescribe a DEXA scan.
This bone densitometry examination estimates the amount of bone mineral content in
specific areas of the body, including the spine, hip and wrist. Osteoporosis is a disease
that lowers bone density causing brittle bones, reduced bone strength, and physical
deformity, dowager's hump, that affects over 28 million Americans.
Reduced bone strength can lead to fractures resulting in a loss of mobility and
independence. Annually, this disease is responsible for over 1.5 million fractures,
of which over 300,000 are hip fractures.
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000FAQ? |
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• Why should I have a DEXA scan? |
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Osteoporosis is a disease that lowers bone density causing brittle bones, reduced bone strength and physical deformity ("dowager's hump") that affects over 28 million Americans. Reduced bone strength can lead to fractures resulting in a loss of mobility and independence. Annually, this disease is responsible for over 1.5 million fractures, of which 300,000 are hip fractures. To assist in diagnosing low bone density, physicians may prescribe a DEXA scan. This bone densitometry examination estimates the amount of bone mineral content in specific areas of the body, including the spine, hip and wrist. Your physician will use the bone density information to decide if treatment is necessary. Whether or not treatment is prescribed, you may need a follow up study at a later date to evaluate for possible progression of bone loss.
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• What causes Osteoporosis? |
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Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and reformed. As a person grows, bone forms faster than it breaks down until it reaches a peak bone mass between the ages of 25 and 35. After age 35, both men and women lose bone at a greater rate than it forms, causing bone loss. After menopause, women start to lose bone at a much more rapid rate than men of the same age. This rapid bone loss is usually due to a decrease in the production of the hormone, estrogen. As a greater amount of bone is lost, the bones become porous and brittle and much more susceptible to fracture. Early detection is the best way to prevent osteoporosis.
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• Why is DEXA the preferred method for measuring bone density? |
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DEXA scanning has been proven to be the most accurate method of measuring bone density, uses the least amount of radiation, and is lower in cost than other methods.
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• Is a DEXA scan safe? |
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The amount of radiation for a DEXA scan is only a fraction of that received from a standard chest x-ray. Although DEXA emits a very low amount of radiation, always inform the technologist if there is a chance of pregnancy.
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• Does my physician need to order my DEXA exam? |
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During your next doctor's appointment, ask your physician if you qualify for bone density testing. If you do, you will be given a prescription for a DEXA scan and referred to a local radiology practice that offers this service.
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• How do I prepare for a DEXA scan? |
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Eat normally on the day of the exam, but avoid calcium supplements the day of your appointment. If possible, wear a two piece outfit so you will not need to disrobe entirely and avoid wearing clothing with metal (buttons, zippers, etc.). |
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• What happens during my DEXA scan? |
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Certified medical personnel will conduct the exam. You will be asked to lie without moving on the scan table but you will be able to breathe normally throughout the procedure. A scanner will pass over one area of your skeleton: your lower spine, wrist or hip. A dual energy beam of very low dose x-rays passes through that area of your body and is measured by a detector. You will not feel anything during the exam. The scan is repeated for a second skeletal area. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology works by measuring the amount of x-rays that are absorbed by the bones in your body. The two x-ray energies allow the machine to differentiate between bone and soft tissue, giving a very accurate estimation of bone density.
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• How often should I have a bone density study? |
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An appropriate period for follow-up bone densitometry is 1 to 2 years. However, this recommendation depends on specific factors such as current medications, risk factors for osteoporosis, fracture history, medical history, surgical history, and the results of prior bone density studies determine the time frame for follow-up examination. It is best to consult with your primary care physician about when a follow-up bone density study would be appropriate for you. |
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• When will I get my results? |
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Your results should be available in your physician's office within 24 hours. |
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