Is it time for your bone density test?

What is a bone density test?

The mineral content of the bones in specific regions of the skeleton is measure by the Bone Density Test DEXA. It serve as a way to gauge bone thinning with age. These exams are commonly refer to as bone densitometry examinations, or DXA, by medical professionals.

Describe a DEXA scan

A DEXA scan is a particular kind of imaging examination. To gauge how solid your bones are, very low doses of x-rays are use. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is known as DEXA. Medical professionals believe that DEXA scans are the most effective, convenient, and affordable diagnostic for identifying osteoporosis. The exam is painless and quick.

Describe osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a phrase used to indicate fragile bones as well as a higher likelihood of breaking a bone. Your bones may get thinner and weaker as you age. Literally translated as “porous bone,” osteoporosis. Your healthcare professional can monitor your bone density and likelihood of breaking a bone over time with the aid of DEXA tests. In order to diagnose osteoporosis, doctors frequently employ DEXA testing.

Describe Osteopenia

Low bone mass is refer to as osteoopenia. Many people all their lives have decreased bone mass, including those who are thin and very active. However, this does not imply that they will inevitably get osteoporosis. Despite having minimal bone mass, many top athletes have strong, healthy bones.

How do bone density scan operate?

The mineral content of specific bones, such as the hip, spine, and/or wrist, is measured using DEXA scans. This is how it operates:

On a specific DEXA x-ray table, you will be request to lay down. The technician will assist you in finding the ideal posture and hold it with the aid of positioning aids like foam blocks.

The DEXA machine employs two distinct x-ray beams as the arm moves across the body. The beams assist discriminate between bone and other tissues while using relatively little radiation to keep the test safe.

The data from the bone density test are convert by the scanner into images and graphs.

A radiologist or other medical professional with DEXA interpretation training then reviews and interprets these findings.

A copy of the written report is delivere to your healthcare practitioner so they can consult with you and decide on the best course of action.

Who undergoes a DEXA scan?

When determining who might benefit from a DEXA scan and how frequently, healthcare professionals take several different criteria into account. If you are older than 50, healthcare professionals frequently suggest a DEXA scan to evaluate your bone health for osteoporosis and fracture risk.

According to research, women begin to lose bone mass earlier and more quickly than males. Therefore, healthcare professionals typically advise women to obtain a DEXA scan to check for osteoporosis at an earlier age than males.

If you have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis or fractures, your doctor might advise a DEXA scan:

Increased age: As people age, they tend to lose bone mass.

Family history: You may be more susceptible to bone loss if one or more members of your family have osteoporosis or have sustained many fractures.

Previously sustained fractures: Breaking a bone, particularly after age 50, may indicate that your risk is higher.

Medications: Some pharmaceuticals, including cancer treatments, drugs used after organ transplants, and the steroid prednisone, can weaken your bones.

Your general well-being: Your risk of breaking a bone can increase if you have several chronic medical conditions.

What other purposes do healthcare professionals utilise DEXA scans for?

A DEXA scan may also be request by medical professionals to:

Monitor changes in bone health over time.

Track your response to medications, such as those for osteoporosis medicines.

Analyse your body’s composition, including the distribution of your body’s fat and muscle mass.

How is a bone density test conducted?

DEXA bone density exams are performed without anaesthesia. You might be able to take the test while dress normally. Alternatively, you might be request to put on a hospital gown. In this test, there are no injections or needles. A regular X-ray and a DEXA test are similar medical procedures.

How long does a DEXA scan last?

Typically, a DEXA scan last no longer than 25 minutes. In less than 30 minutes, a large number of people enter and leave the room.

Conclusion

The “gold standard” for determining osteoporosis and fracture risk, according to medical professionals, is DEXA scans. As people age, their bone density decreases significantly. However, this does not indicate that you must accept weak bones as an inevitable part of ageing. Learning how to take care of your bones is never too early. Ask your doctor if a DEXA scan could be used to evaluate your bone health right now.