Bone Densitometry

Bone Densitometry

Bone is living tissue that constantly breaks down and reforms. After age 35, bone breaks down faster than it forms. After menopause, bone loss occurs at a much greater rate, leading to osteoporosis. You can take action to prevent or slow the deterioration beginning with a bone density exam. Bone mineral density readings will be made in two different places susceptible to fracture or other bone damage, usually the hip and spine.  The machine used to measure bone density is a DEXA.

Patient Experience

The two tests last from two to five minutes each. The testing uses less total radiation than a standard chest x-ray.

Patient Preparation

• Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners or ornaments.
• You should not take vitamin pills, calcium supplements or antacids such as Tums or Rolaids the morning of the exam.
• Let us know if you have had a total hip replacement or any type of lumbar spine surgery.
• Have no nuclear medicine contrast studies in the three weeks preceeding exam.
• Have no barium studies in the week preceeding exam.
• You must not be pregnant.

Post Exam

Your readings will be compared to reference readings taken from adults of your sex while at their peak bone mass. The result of this comparison is called a T-score which tells you and your doctor where your bone density compares across a range.

A T-score of 0 to-1 is normal. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 is osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

When measured at a variety of body sites, low bone mass is the most accurate predictor of high fracture risk. Ideally, you should get a baseline T-score between the ages of 30 and 40.

Your doctor can offer advice about diet, life style and medication based on your T-score. Treatments are available that can actually increase your bone density and slow the rate of loss.

The printout above, at the far left shows the DEXA results of a young woman at her peak bone density. The chart in the middle shows the results of a woman who has reached menopause. This graphic depiction of your test results gives your doctor the greatest amount of information in a form that you can look at and discuss.

The image above to the far right shows the result of a scan of the hip joint area. When your doctor has information from two areas of the body that are prone to fracture from osteoporosis, the diagnosis can be more accurate and treatment more specific.