What is DEXA Scanning?
Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry

DEXA scanning is the most popular method to measure bone mineral density and is primarily used for early detection of osteoporosis and potential fractures.

DEXA scanning studies have shown that individuals with osteoporosis have substantially lower bone density measurements than normal, age-matched people. Bone mineral density is widely accepted as a good indicator of bone strength. Thus low values can be compared against standard bone density measurements and help predict a patient's risk for fracture based upon the DEXA scan measurements.

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces bone density creating porous, fragile bones. More than half of all women over 60 suffer from osteoporotic fractures. Osteporosis is often first detected when the fracture actually occurs. Detected in time, osteoporosis is treatable.

What causes Osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that continually breaks down and reforms. During growth, bone forms faster than it breaks down till it reaches a peak bone mass between the ages of 25 and 35. After age 35, both men and women lose bone mass 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 the decrease in the production of the estrogen hormone. As a great amount of the bone mass is lost, the bones become porous and brittle, and thus break easily.

What are the Benefits of DEXA Scanning?
DEXA scanning is the most widely used method for measuring bone mineral density for several reasons. When compared with radiographic absortiometry or single energy x-ray absortiometry, DEXA scanning more precisely documents small changes in bone mass and is more flexible since it can be used to examine both the spine and the extremities. A scan of the spine, hip or the total body requires only one, two or four minutes respectively. Qualitative computed tomography (QCT) is the only technique that can directly measure bone density and volume but can distinguish trabecular from cortical bone. DEXA scanning is less expensive, exposes the patient to less radiation and is more sensitive and accurate at measuring subtle changes in bone density over time or in response to drug therapy than is QCT.

Any special precautions?
Pregnant patients should consult their doctor for advice before scheduling a scan.