BONE DENSITOMETRY
OVERVIEW
A bone densitometry (DXA) exam is performed to measure bone loss. Using a very low energy X-ray beam, the exam produces a scan of the lumbar spine and of either the hip or forearm. The technology measures your bone mineral density (BMD) and compares it to the normal population of people who are of the same age, weight and gender.
Your doctor uses information from a bone densitometry exam to assess your bone condition, risk of fracture, and necessary treatments. If you are already undergoing treatment or therapy for osteoporosis or osteopenia, bone densitometry exams may be performed periodically to track changes in your bone density.
Trabecular Bone Score
The Trabecular Bone Score is a test of your bone structure that is complementary to standard bone density testing. When TBS is combined with bone density testing, we learn more about your bone health than with bone density testing alone. TBS is important because about one-half of people who break bones do not have a bone density that is classified as osteoporosis. TBS can help recognize these people and allow for more personalized care to prevent broken bones.
Patient Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
A bone densitometry or DXA scan is a quick, painless exam that uses low-energy X-rays to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It scans your lumbar spine and either your hip or forearm to assess bone strength and detect bone loss.
Your doctor may recommend a DXA scan to assess your risk of fractures, diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia, or monitor the effectiveness of bone-strengthening treatments. It’s especially important for postmenopausal women and older adults at risk for bone loss.
The entire exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a quick, non-invasive procedure.
TBS is an advanced test that evaluates your bone structure and complements standard bone density testing. It’s important because about half of people who experience fractures don’t have bone density classified as osteoporosis. TBS helps identify these at-risk individuals for more personalized care.
Prior to the exam, you will be asked to remove belt buckles, rivets, snaps, zippers, buttons or other metal objects that are over the mid-abdomen or hip areas. You will also be asked to remove your shoes.
During the exam, you will lie quietly on a comfortable, well-padded table while a “C-Arm” (X-ray tube) moves over your body. You can breathe normally during the scan, but talking is discouraged while the C-Arm is in motion.
Once your body has been scanned, a computer program will analyze the images and produce a report of the results. A copy of the images and report will be sent to your physician.
The entire exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
No Calcium or supplements that contain calcium such as: multivitamins, Tums, Biotin etc., 24 hours prior to exam. Dietary calcium such as dairy products etc, is fine. You may also take all your other prescribed medications as normal.
Please wear clothes without zippers, belts, metal buttons or snaps.
No underwire bras.
Inform us if you’ve recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for an MRI, computed tomography (CT) scan or Nuclear Medicine scan. You may have to wait 7 to 10 days before undergoing a DXA test.