DEXA Scans: Gaining Clarity on Your Bone Health

Our bones are the foundation of our entire body, from every step we take to every hug we give. In adulthood, the human body contains 206 bones, all of which play vital roles in our everyday lives. Whether due to age or other medical conditions, our bones can become brittle and begin to deteriorate over time. If left untreated, this makes us more likely to fracture or break a bone or even develop osteoporosis. But the good news is that we have diagnostic imaging tools, known as bone density scans, that can get a clearer picture of our bone health.

Keep reading to learn more about a specific bone density scan called the DEXA scan, including how they’re performed, when you should get one and how to understand your results.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, also known as a bone density scan, is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging tool that uses enhanced X-ray technology to measure bone loss. Essentially, a DEXA scan is a way to measure the strength, density and mineral content of your bones.

Health care providers use DEXA scans to assess conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteopenia is the first stage of bone loss. Most people with osteopenia have no symptoms until they fracture or break a bone. Over time, osteopenia can progress to osteoporosis if left untreated, so it’s important to receive a DEXA scan so you can start treatment as early as possible.

Your doctor may schedule a DEXA scan to:

• Check if your bones are responding well to osteopenia or osteoporosis treatment
• Evaluate bone density before starting treatment
• Measure bone fracture risk
• Measure the amount of bone loss as you age

Now that you have a better understanding of what a DEXA scan is and what it’s used for, let’s explore when you should get one.

When It’s Time for a DEXA Scan

While anyone may need a bone density scan at some point in their lives, women are more likely to develop osteoporosis and may need scans earlier in life or more frequently. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), roughly 80% of patients with osteoporosis are women. However, other people may also be at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

• Anyone who has lost an inch and a half or more of height, usually in their 20s
• Individuals whose biological parents or grandparents have osteoporosis
• Men over age 70
• Post-menopausal women
• Those older than 50 who have broken a bone before
• Women 65 and older

Other factors that affect your bone density include:

• Being an older male with risk factors for weak bones or osteoporosis
• Having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Lack of physical activity
• Long-time use of tobacco or alcohol
• Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet

The best way for you to determine if you need a DEXA scan is to visit your primary care provider. After discussing your medical history, they’ll determine whether a bone density scan is right for you.

How DEXA Scans Are Performed

DEXA scans are outpatient imaging tests that typically take 10 to 30 minutes to complete. To begin, the technician will tell you to lie on your back on a padded X-ray table. Typically, you can wear the same clothes you arrived in, but if not, a gown will be provided.

Then, the technician positions your body and passes a scanning arm over you, which captures images of your bones using a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays. At the same time, a scanner will pass underneath you. During your scan, you’ll be asked to lie still and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to capture the clearest image possible.

The images collected will be put into pictures and graphs for your doctor to review. In these images, your bones appear white, while fat, muscles and other tissues appear as dark shadows. No special diet is required for these scans. But you’ll be asked to stop taking calcium supplements 24 to 48 hours before your DEXA scan.

Understanding Your Results

Bone density results are typically given in two scores: a T-score and a Z-score. Overall, a higher number indicates greater bone density. Your T-score compares your bone density with that of a healthy young individual of the same gender. Z-scores compare your bone density measurements to those of people of the same age, weight, gender and ethnic or racial origin.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a T-score of -1.0 or higher is considered normal. If your score is between -1.0 and -2.4, this indicates that you have osteopenia and are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis. A score of -2.5 or less means you likely have osteoporosis. But rest assured, your health care provider will discuss your results with you and help you develop your best next steps on your journey to whole health.

Extended Hours for Convenient Access to Imaging

As part of our commitment to whole-person care, AdventHealth Celebration now offers extended evening hours for DEXA scans, giving you greater access to the imaging services you need. Our imaging center is open until 7 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Helping You Get a Clear Picture of Your Health

Whether you need a DEXA scan or other diagnostic imaging, we’re committed to making your care easier. Request an imaging appointment at AdventHealth Celebration today or call us at Call407-303-2273.