What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bone strength reduces, making it very weak and brittle. This can lead to bones breaking easily after a simple fall or even mild stress, such as coughing or bending over.
There are many factors that can lead to Osteoporosis, including (but not limited to):
early menopause, fragility (low trauma), parental history of hip fracture or osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, low BMI, malabsorption diseases, chronic liver or kidney disease, certain treatments like chemotherapy, vitamin D or calcium deficiency, alcohol intake above advised levels, smoking, and long-term immobility.
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring Osteoporosis. It is a non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density by aiming two low-dose X-ray beams at the bones. The denser the bone, the fewer X-rays will reach the detector, which helps determine your bone strength.
This type of scan can also be referred to as a “central DEXA scan,” “bone densitometry scan,” or “DXA scan.”
Purpose of the Test
A DEXA scan detects weak or brittle bones to help predict the likelihood of future fractures. It can also help determine if a person should be taking medication to slow bone loss.
After an initial DEXA scan, follow-up scans can be compared to the baseline to see if bone density is improving, worsening, or staying the same. Additionally, after a fracture, a DEXA scan can help determine if the break was likely due to Osteoporosis.
Radiation Risk vs. Benefit
DEXA scans use a small amount of ionizing radiation — less than many everyday sources — equivalent to about two days of background radiation. Research has shown that this low dose of radiation carries minimal risk, which is generally outweighed by the benefits of accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
Preparing for the DEXA Scan
What to Wear: Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid clothing with metal parts such as zippers, buttons, or buckles. Metal can interfere with test accuracy. You may need to remove items with metal or change into a gown.
Food and Drink: There are no dietary restrictions. However, if you take calcium supplements, you should stop at least 24 hours before the exam.
Other Considerations: Inform the radiographer if you have recently had a Barium enema, a Barium swallow, or an injection of contrast material for a CT/MRI or radioisotope scan. The radiographer will also ask you a few health and lifestyle questions before starting your scan.
During the DEXA Scan
The entire DEXA scan usually lasts around 10 minutes. You will lie on your back while the radiographer scans your lumbar spine first, followed by your hip.
Contact Us
Diagnostic Healthcare Limited
The Royals, 353 Altrincham Road
Manchester, M22 4BJ
Tel: 0161 929 5679
Email: info@dhc.uk.com