Osteoporosis is a potentially painful and crippling disease. While some bone loss can be expected as part of the normal aging process, osteoporosis is a dangerous disease. It occurs when bone loss is so severe it causes bones to become porous, brittle and likely to break.

Half of all Asian and Caucasian women past menopause have or are at high risk of developing osteoporosis.

Bone densitometry

Bone densitometry, using an advanced technology called DXA (short for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone mineral density. During a comprehensive examination with DXA, the patient lays comfortably still on a padded table while the DXA unit scans two or more areas, usually the fracture-prone hip and spine.

Unlike typical x-ray machines, radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low – less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight. The entire process takes only minutes to complete, depending on the number of sites scanned. It involves no injections or invasive procedures, and patients remain fully clothed.

Bone Densitometry Using DXA

• Simple, proven x-ray method
• Safe, low radiation
• Helps determine whether you are at high, increased or low risk of fracturing a bone
• Fast and comfortable…only takes minutes
• Easy…patient remains clothed
• Painless…non-invasive, no injections

Unless instructed otherwise, eat normally on the day of the exam; but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.

Preparing for bone densitometry scanning

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and other casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets or any metal are preferred.
• You should not have had a barium study, radioisotope injection, oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within seven days prior to your DXA test.

How DXA bone densitometry works

1. THE EQUIPMENT

DXA is a fast, convenient and precise way to measure bone density to help determine a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and future fractures.

2. BONE DENSITY SCAN AND ANALYSIS

Most common examination sites are fracture-prone hip and spine. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is calculated and compared to normal BMD values, matched for age and sex. A low BMD by DXA may predict the likelihood of osteoporosis and fracture and can help determine a treatment plan.

3. THE REPORT

The DXA system produces test results instantly. Along with information you provide about your family and medical history, lifestyle and diet, the data derived from the DXA test will be used by your physician to help determine whether you are at high, increased or low risk of fracture. Based on this information, he/she can decide whether you would benefit from additional therapy.

For more information on Bone Densitometry call (910) 715-2778 or (866) 415-2778 toll free.