What is a Bone Density Scan?
Also called a DEXA scan, a bone density scan is a sort of low-portion x-beam test involving diagnostic imaging that measures calcium and different minerals in your bones. The estimation helps show the strength and thickness of your bones. The bones that usually go through examination are present in the spine, hip, and sometimes the lower arm.
Uses of Bone Density Scan
- Identify a decrease in bone density before you break a bone,
- Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures),
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis,
- Monitor osteoporosis treatment.
What is Osteoporosis?
A vast majority of people suffer from bone weaknesses, as they grow older. At the point when bones become more slender than usual, osteopenia sets in. Osteopenia leads you on the path of a more complicated condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a cumulative sickness that makes bones exceptionally slim and weak. Osteoporosis generally influences individuals that are more aged and is generally normal in women beyond 65 years old. Folks with osteoporosis are at high risk of breaking their bones, particularly in their hips, spine, and wrists.
Why Do I Need a Bone Density Scan?
According to research, the majority of women above the age of 65 suffer from ailments concerning bone weakness. They are the ones who are at great risk of losing bone density, which could result in bone cracks. Hence, a bone density scan is usually recommended to them. If a person is suffering from any of the following conditions, a bone density scan is suggested.
- Lost height –People who have lost at least 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height may suffer from compression fractures in their spines, for which osteoporosis is one of the chief causes.
- Fractured a bone –Fragility fractures happen when a bone becomes so frail that it cracks much more easily than expected. Fragility fractures can be a result of a strong cough or sneeze.
- Taken certain drugs –Continuous use of steroid medications, such as prednisone, meddles with the bone-rebuilding process — which can lead to osteoporosis.
- Had a drop in hormone levels – Besides the natural fall in hormones that occurs after menopause, women’s estrogen may also lower during certain cancer treatments. A small number of treatment procedures for prostate infection reduce testosterone levels in men.
- Body Fat analysis – Fat is usually stored in various regions of the body such as arms, legs, and torso. While essential body fat is necessary, subcutaneous fat makes most of our bodily fat. Physicians occasionally recommend DEXA exams for athletes to stay in shape and reduce this excess body fat.
Types of Bone Density Tests
Central DXA
A team of researchers suggests a bone thickness trial of the hip and spine utilizing a focal DXA machine to analyze osteoporosis through diagnostic imaging methods. DXA stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. When testing is futile on the hip and spine, NOF recommends a focal DXA trial of the range bone in the lower arm. Now and again, the sort of bone thickness testing gear utilized relies upon what is accessible in the vicinity. Healthcare providers perform bone density scans in the hip and spine for several reasons according to studies. Firstly, individuals with osteoporosis have a greater risk of breaking these bones. Moreover, broken bones in the hip and spine can cause more problems, including longer recovery time, greater pain, and even disability. Bone density scan w of the hip and spine through diagnostic imaging has the potential to anticipate the odds of future breaks in different bones.
Thanks to evolving medical technology, most of these tests do not require an individual to take off his/her clothes completely. However, no buttons or zippers must be obstructing the area that is due for a bone density scan. The test hardly takes 15 minutes to conduct. Dexa bone density tests are non-invasive and painless. This means that no needles or instruments go through the skin or body. A central DEXA scan uses very little radiation. Interestingly, you encounter 10–15 times more radiation when flying roundtrips between New York and San Francisco.
As proposed by experts, when replicating a bone density scan, it is preferable to utilize the same testing apparatus and have the DEXA scan done at the same location every time. This offers a more authentic contrast with your preceding test result. Even though it is not always possible to get a DEXA bone density test at the same place, it is still necessary to compare your current DEXA bone density test score to your earlier scores nonetheless.
It is important to notes that standard x-rays cannot replace DEXA bone density tests. In contrast with bone density tests, X-rays fail to display osteoporosis until the disease is well highly developed. Nevertheless, x-rays are viable other than a DEXA scan to discern broken bones in the spine or elsewhere.
Screening Tests
The screening tests are commonly referred to as peripheral tests that measure bone density of the lower arm, wrist, finger, or heel. The types of peripheral tests are:
- pDXA (peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)
- QUS (quantitative ultrasound)
- pQCT (peripheral quantitative computed tomography)
Screening tests can assist with distinguishing individuals who are probably going to gain from additional DEXA bone scanning. They are additionally helpful when a focal DXA is not obtainable. These tests usually take place at health fairs and in some medical offices. Unfortunately, screening tests are unable to identify osteoporosis precisely and it is not easy to observe how well osteoporosis medicine is functioning.
Risks
A study has shown that there are certain limitations of bone density scans.
- Differences in testing methods –Devices that measure the density of the bones in the spine and hip are more exact but charge more than apparatus that assess the density of the nonessential bones of the forearm, finger, or heel due to advanced medical technology.
- Previous spinal problems –Test results may not be accurate in people who have structural abnormalities in their spines, such as severe arthritis, previous spinal surgeries, or scoliosis.
- Radiation exposure –Bone density scans use X-rays, but the amount of radiation exposure is usually very small. Nonetheless, expectant women should avoid these DEXA exams.
- Lack of information about the cause –A bone density scan can verify that you have low bone density, but it cannot tell you why. For that, you require a more complete medical assessment.
- Limited insurance coverage –Not all health insurance plans pay for bone density scans, so ask your insurance provider beforehand if the DEXA bone scan is covered.
What Do the Results Signify?
DEXA bone density test results materialize in the form of two numbers: T score and Z score. A T score is an estimation that compares your bone density measurement to that of a healthy 30-year-old individual. A low T score suggests that you are most likely suffering from bone loss. Your results may illustrate the following:
- A T score of -1.0 or higher. This qualifies as normal bone density.
- A T score between -1.0 and -2.5. This means you have a low bone density (osteopenia) and may be at risk for developing osteoporosis.
- A T score of -2.5 or less. This means you probably have osteoporosis.
The Z-score is the sum of typical variations above or below of what one expects your age, sex, weight, and cultural origin to be. If your Z-score is considerably higher or lower than the standard need, you may have to take further DEXA exams to verify the root of the problem.