Good bone health is essential, especially as we age. Bone density measures how strong and solid your bones are, helping to identify issues like osteoporosis and low bone mass. A DEXA scan is a quick and safe test that checks your bone density, reveals your risk for fractures, and provides useful insights into your bone health.
What is Bone Density?
Bone density shows how strong and resilient your bones are, which helps assess your risk for fractures. When bones lose density they become weaker and more likely to break—a change often linked to aging but also influenced by lifestyle, diet, and genetics (National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2021). Osteoporosis is the most serious condition related to bone loss, affecting millions globally.
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is a quick, non-invasive test that uses low-level X-rays to check bone density, focusing on the hip and spine. It takes just 10-15 minutes, requires little preparation, and is a simple way to keep an eye on your bone health (American College of Radiology, 2020). This scan is especially helpful if you’re at risk for osteoporosis or have a history of fractures or low bone mass.
Benefits of a DEXA Scan
- Accurate Fracture Risk Assessment: DEXA scans measure bone mineral density (BMD) precisely, helping determine your risk of fractures—especially important if you’re over 50, as bone density can decrease quickly with age.
- Tracking Bone Health Over Time: With DEXA’s accuracy, you and your doctor can monitor how lifestyle changes, medications, or supplements impact your bone health.
- Early Osteoporosis Detection: Catching bone density loss early allows you to take steps to prevent osteoporosis and fractures, which often don’t show symptoms until a break happens (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2022).
- Low Radiation Exposure: DEXA scans use much less radiation than standard X-rays, making them safe for regular monitoring.
Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (2021), DEXA scans are recommended for:
- Women 65+ and men 70+.
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with osteoporosis risk factors.
- People with a family history of osteoporosis or fractures.
- Adults who’ve had fractures after 50.
- Anyone on medications that can weaken bones, like steroids.
Understanding Your DEXA Scan Results
Your DEXA scan results are presented as a T-score, comparing your bone density to that of a healthy young adult:
- T-score above -1: Your bone density is in the normal range.
- T-score between -1 and -2.5: This indicates osteopenia, meaning your bone density is lower than ideal but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis.
- T-score below -2.5: This score suggests osteoporosis, with a higher risk for fractures.
How to Schedule a DEXA Scan
If you’re interested in scheduling a DEXA scan, consult your healthcare provider or visit our clinic, Monument Imaging, for high quality and accurate results. Our facility offers cash-pay options for a range of imaging services, including DEXA scans, making it a more accessible option for those without insurance or high deductibles.
For more information on bone density, osteoporosis, and DEXA scans, check out these helpful resources:
References
- American College of Radiology. (2020). DEXA Scan – Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. (2022). Understanding osteoporosis and bone health. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.foundation
- National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2021). Bone density and osteoporosis risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org
This guide to DEXA scans aims to offer insights into bone health and the advantages of early assessment for osteoporosis prevention. Prioritizing bone health can greatly enhance quality of life as we age, reducing the risk of fractures and maintaining mobility and independence.