Bone density scanning is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. The scan measures the bone density and compares that number with standard measurements based on age, sex, and racial background. The exam is quick and painless. Your doctor will receive a copy of your results to discuss with you.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that happens when the body loses too much bone, does not make enough bone, or both. Bones become weak and break very easily, sometimes, in serious cases, just from sneezing or bumping into something.
Osteoporosis is very common. About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis. The current statistic is that 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men, age 50 and older, will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
A bone density scan will detect the bone mineral density by using low dose radiation and highly advanced technology to analyze the bone's density. Then a board-certified radiologist will interpret the results and send them to your primary care physician who will determine if treatment is necessary.
Among other tests, the most common and dependable test is dual-energy x-ray bone densitometry (DEXA), which measures bone density of the hip and spine using low dose radiation.
A bone density scan shows if there is a loss of mass or density in the bones. Moderate bone loss is called osteopenia and severe bone loss is called osteoporosis. The bone density scan can predict who is at an increased risk for bone loss and show if osteoporosis has worsened or improved.
We scan the areas that are known to have the most bone loss in patients. Measurements taken are compared to a set of standard numbers to determine if bone density is normal, moderate, or severe.
We will send your doctor a report and they will discuss the results of your bone scan with you and answer any other questions you may have.
One scan can predict your risk of bone fractures. Your doctor will decide whether or not you need future bone density tests.