DEXA Screening

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry or DEXA for short is an exam that helps your provider determine if you are at risk for fracture caused by low bone mineral density. Several risk factors like age, sex, history of fractures, your parents having had a hip fracture, and other disease processes can increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis or osteopenia. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone mass, makes too little bone, or both. It causes bones to become weak, brittle, and highly porous, making them susceptible to fractures.

Osteopenia is a lower-than-normal bone mineral density and an early warning sign for osteoporosis. Recommendation is for women over 65 and men over 70 or earlier for persons with certain risk factors determined by their provider to have a DEXA scan to rule out osteoporosis or osteopenia. A DEXA scan is a low dose x-ray that scans your lower back, 1 or both hips, and often your forearm. The exam takes around 15 minutes. It is suggested that you wear clothing with no metal and let the performing technologist know if you have any metal in your back or hips. It is important not to take any calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to your exam as this can cause an inaccurate bone scoring. Your provider will be sent a report of your bone mineral scoring, and they will be able to help you better understand your risk for fractures and if medications or lifestyles changes can help to decrease your risk.