Bone Density (DEXA)
BONE DENSITOMETRY
An ultra-low dose form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. This is most often performed of the lower spine, hips and wrist for screening purposes for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.
Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:
- are a peri or post-menopausal woman
- have a history of cigarette smoking
- have experienced a significant loss of height since high school
- are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds)
- are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss
- use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs
- have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis
- have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples
- have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism
- have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism
- have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma
- have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis
Preparation: If you are having this exam performed it is suggested that you NOT take any calcium supplements the day of the examination.