Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
 What is Bone Densitometry (DEXA)?
What will my test be like and how should I prepare?
Osteoporosis Facts
Osteoporosis Risk Factors
What Is Bone Densitometry (DEXA)?
DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is the most accurate and
advanced bone densitometry testing technique available. This test
measures the bone mineral density of the spine and hip, sites
where osteoporotic fracture most frequently occurs.
DEXA is the standard diagnostic tool recommended for patients at risk of
developing osteoporosis. It is also used to monitor those
under treatment for the disease.
A safe, painless and highly accurate way to measure the density
of bones.
Bone densitometry testing can help your healthcare provider in
making a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk. Bone
densitometry testing uses very small amounts of radiation. Results
of your test are compared
to a reference population based on your age, weight, height, sex
and ethnic background. The test may be repeated to determine your
rate of bone loss
or the effect of treatment over time.
A good way to find out if you have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more porous,
gradually making them brittle. Healthy bones are dense and strong.
Osteoporosis weakens bones so they become more fragile and more
likely to break.
What will my test be like and how should I prepare?
DEXA examinations do not require any special preparation. You may
eat and drink normally and take any medications you regularly take
before and after your exam. For this test, please avoid wearing
clothing with metal
buttons or zippers for your examination. A loose fitting outfit
with an elastic waist is best. To complete this examination, expect
to lie still
on a padded scanning bed, breathe normally and rest comfortably.
The scan takes about 15 minutes. After your examination, you may
resume your normal
activities.
Please advise our staff at the time of scheduling if you have had
a recent upper GI or barium enema examination.
Osteoporosis Facts
Osteoporosis: A disease characterized by low bone mass and structural
deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an
increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.
Prevalence
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44
million Americans.
In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already
have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have
low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, eight
million are women and two million are men.
Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures
annually. One in two women and one in four men over the age of
50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone
loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis
until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes
a fracture or a vertebra to collapse.
Collapsed vertebra may be detected by severe back pain, loss of
height, or spinal deformities such as stooped posture.
Detection
Safe, quick, comfortable and precise bone densitometry testing
can detect low bone density before a fracture occurs and predict
the chance of fracturing in the future. If testing is conducted
at intervals of a year
or more, it can be used to determine the rate of bone loss and/or
monitor the effects of treatment.
Prevention
By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her
skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence
can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later.
A good prevention program includes a balanced diet rich in calcium
and Vitamin D,
weight-bearing
exercise, a healthy nonsmoking lifestyle with limited alcohol intake,
bone density testing and medication when appropriate.
Common Risk
Factors for
Osteoporosis
- Being female
- Thin and/or small frame
- Advanced age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Post menopause, including early or surgically-induced menopause
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
- Eating disorders
- A diet low in calcium
- Use of certain medications, such as steroids
- Low testosterone in men
- Inactive lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
|
