Dexa Bone Scan
What Is Bone Density?
Bone density is the total amount of bone material per volume of bone tissue. Generally, it is determined medically based on optical density at a bone surface per square inch, but more often, clinically it’s measured using a DEXA bone scan.
DEXA scan measures total bone material per centimeter of bone tissue on x-ray film. Bone density has been known to decrease with age, particularly when bone mass declines with age-associated bone density loss. It has also been known to increase as people get older.
When considering osteoporosis treatment, the next bone density scan is used to measure bone density before surgery or treatment is performed. It is also sometimes used after surgery to assess bone loss or improvement.
A DEXA bone scan can detect bone deterioration and fractures are clearly visible on the x-ray screen during an osteoporotic fracture. After the bone density has been calculated through DEXA bone scan it needs to be increased to restore standard bone thickness and strength. This process is called deoxyribonucleosides therapy.
In addition to the bone density at the sarcoskeletal level, bone density in the spinal column can be assessed through spinal deoxyribonucleosides tests.
Osteoporosis is not the only bone disease associated with decreased bone mass. Calcium deficiencies, especially with phosphorus, contribute to bone loss in many people. Calcium deficiencies not only influence bone mass directly, but they can also lead to indirect bone loss secondary to decreased calcium levels in the body.
Other indirect causes of bone loss include rheumatoid arthritis and chemotherapy. A DEXA bone scan can be used to determine if there is an imbalance of calcium in the body or if other conditions such as osteoporosis, estrogen deficiencies or systemic diseases are to blame.
Uses of DEXA Bone Scan
The uses of the DEXA bone density test are not limited to the dental practitioner, but are also commonly used by sportsmen and those who practice alternative medicine. This is because a person’s bone mass directly influences their ability to resist physical activities, hence the importance of a well-developed bone structure in the skeletal system.
Aside from the ability of the bones to resist physical activities, it is also essential for people to have high levels of calcium and vitamin D in their bodies. These elements are vital for the human body as they help strengthen the body’s immune system and promote stronger bones that will be most resistant to fracture.
The DEXA bone scan measures the amount of calcium and magnesium in the person’s bone tissues. This information is then compared to a particular patient’s history to determine if there are any abnormalities.
It is usually taken based on a patient’s age and gender. If one has low levels of either element, this could mean he or she is at risk for complications in the bones such as osteoporosis and fragility. The tests are usually carried out on patients who have been diagnosed with either condition, and follow-up checks are scheduled once a year for younger children.
Some other medical conditions that could benefit from DEXA bone scan are those who have Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Multiple Myeloma
- Kidney Disease
- Ovarian Cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Anemia
- And Liver Disease.
It is usually recommended that such tests are carried out when other methods have failed. It is a fact that every one of us could stand to benefit from the benefits provided by the DEXA bone scan. This is because, aside from helping diagnose some diseases, it also allows for early detection. This makes the use of this test more reliable than the use of X-rays and CT scans.
Advantages of DEXA Bone Scan
- Osteoporosis
As we have discussed, one of the many benefits of the DEXA bone scan is that it can tell you whether you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This is a disease in which the bones become porous and brittle, leading to increased fractures.
The only good news about this is that as you get older, your chances of developing osteoporosis will decrease due to the natural loss of bone mass. However, many of us don’t want to wait for age to take its toll on our bodies. For those who want to do something proactive about our bones, there is the possibility of taking a deep bone density test.
- Helps in MRIs
What the DEXA bone scan will do is give you an MRI scan of your hip and your whole body. With the scan’s help, doctors will know if there is a problem with your bone structure. If they see structural abnormalities, they may recommend that you have some surgery to fix it.
However, if you don’t have structural issues, you might want to wear a glucosamine supplement to make sure your bones stay strong. Taking the time to get the correct diagnosis early will go a long way towards preventing the future risks of osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D Progress
Another of the many benefits of a DEXA bone scan is that it will let you know how much vitamin D your body is getting. Deficiencies of vitamin D can lead to weak bones because your body cannot make as much of the vitamin as it needs. Knowing whether you need more vitamin D or not can be a great way to guard against osteoporosis and any other bone deterioration that may come along.
How to Improve Bone Density?
The condition of your bones can tell you many things about your health. You need to keep up your bone density and make sure that you are eating the right food for stronger bones and muscles.
Exercise regularly, and take vitamins that will help make your bones stronger. If you follow these simple guidelines for improving bone density, you will find that you are healthier and will enjoy better health as a result.
The better your DEXA bone scan results are, the more likely the doctor will find conditions that need treatment to increase bone density. If you have many loose tissues in your bones that are not getting put back into place as they should, then the bone density scan may show that there is a problem. It could mean that there are not enough bones in your body to stay healthy and keep moving. In this case, treatment will involve putting more bone back into place through surgery.
DEXA bone scan is beneficial for the early diagnosis of severe health conditions. We hope that these guidelines are practical to you. At AQMDI, with affordable imaging, we use the latest technology for all your radiology needs with premium quality and remarkable services. Contact us today!