A DEXA study is performed to determine whether or not your bones contain a normal amount of bone mineral density.  This is important because bones that do not contain enough bone mineral density are prone to fractures.

Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease.  There are rarely signs and symptoms until significant bone has been lost.  Visible symptoms may include loss of height along with curvature of the upper back.  Advanced disease can also result in crippling and painful fractures most often occurring in the hip, back and wrist.

The DEXA study is a safe and effective test.  The x-ray dosage from the examination is comparable to the naturally occurring radiation that you are exposed to in one week.

The bone densitometer is a large padded and comfortable examination table.  You simply need to lie still and breathe normally.  The exam takes less than 5 minutes.

The bone densitometry test is an aid to your doctor in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.  The results will help your doctor decide whether or not treatment is necessary.

A DEXA scan is recommended if you are over age 65, if you are postmenopausal with more than one risk factor (other than menopause) (female, Caucasian, advanced age, history of bone fracture, small thin body habitus, family history of osteoporosis, history of oophorectomy, early menopause, low calcium diet, lack of exercise, eating disorders, steroid therapy, alcohol and tobacco use).

If you fit the category of recommendations as noted above, you should see your doctor and inquire about scheduling a DEXA examination.  Please ask our technicians if you have any additional questions regarding this examination.