Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

Bone Densitometry (DEXA) is a non-invasive procedure in which bone mineral density is measured and then compared against a normal population of people who are the same age, weight, and gender as the patient. It uses a low energy x-ray beam to produce a “scan” of the lumbar spine, hip, and/or either forearm. Your provider uses the information gathered from this study to assess your bone condition, and risk of fracture, and to assist in deciding whether treatment is necessary. If you are already undergoing treatment or therapy for osteoporosis or osteopenia, periodic follow-up studies are recommended to assess changes in bone density. There are no injections or liquid to drink.

Procedure

The study takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. During the exam, you will lie quietly on a padded scan table while an x-ray tube moves over the area being scanned.

After the Exam

Once the chosen areas have been scanned satisfactorily, the exam is complete and you may leave. The computer will make an analysis of the area that has been imaged. A copy of the completed scanned images and the radiologist’s report will be sent to your provider. The information gathered and the image scans are stored on the computer, making it possible to do future studies and comparisons.