DEXA or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scans are a kind of medical imaging method used to measure bone density and physique composition. They are generally utilised to diagnose and monitor circumstances comparable to osteoporosis, a illness characterised by low bone mass and elevated threat of fractures.

What is DEXA scan?

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director-Orthopedics and Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital Vaishali, briefed, “Bone density testing, such as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, can assess bone health and detect osteoporosis or low bone density. Talk to your healthcare provider about the recommended frequency for bone density testing based on your risk factors and medical history. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment if necessary.”

Bringing her experience to the identical, Dr Sunita Kapoor, Director and Consultant Pathologist at City X-ray and Scan Clinic, defined, “A bone density scan or DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to see how dense or strong your bones are. Other names for this test are bone mineral density test or BMD test, DXA, and Dual-energy x-ray. A woman should undergo this test at least once beginning at age 58 or even earlier, depending upon the risk factors for osteoporosis. The test is also used to determine body fat and lean body mass and often plays an integral role in identifying and preventing osteoporosis.”

She elaborated, “The diagnostic procedure helps diagnose how susceptible are your bones to fractures and injuries, by measuring the body’s fat percentage or your bone’s mineral density. A doctor may recommend the scan or test if you are at a higher risk of developing bone problems, such as osteoporosis. A bone density scan is primarily used to diagnose osteopenia (low bone mass), and osteoporosis, predict the risk of future fractures and see if treatment for osteoporosis is working. Women aged 65 or older are at a high risk of losing bone density, which can lead to fractures, so they should have a bone density scan.”

DEXA scan process and advantages:

During a DEXA scan, a low-dose X-ray is handed via the physique, usually specializing in the hip and backbone areas because the scan measures the quantity of X-ray vitality that’s absorbed by the bones, offering details about bone mineral density (BMD). This information is then in comparison with the typical BMD for a wholesome younger grownup of the identical intercourse to find out if the affected person’s bone density is throughout the regular vary or if they’ve osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density however not as extreme as osteoporosis).

In addition to assessing bone well being, DEXA scans may also measure physique composition by differentiating between bone, lean tissue (muscular tissues) and fats. This side of the scan supplies insights into general physique fats proportion, which will be useful for monitoring weight administration and assessing the chance of circumstances related to extreme physique fats.

Dr Ajith KN, Medical Director, Clinical and Imaging Services at Neuberg Diagnostics, highlighted, “Bone mineral density (BMD) screening, such as a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, can help identify women at high risk for osteoporosis. Women at high risk for osteoporosis include those with a history of thyroid disorders, arthritis, early menopause, high-risk medication use and cancer patients. BMD screening can help identify women who may benefit from early intervention to prevent or treat osteoporosis, such as lifestyle modifications, medication or hormone therapy.”

Should you get a DEXA scan?

Whether or not you must get a DEXA scan will depend on a number of elements together with your age, gender, medical historical past and threat elements for osteoporosis or different bone-related circumstances. Here are some conditions the place a DEXA scan could also be really helpful –

• Postmenopausal ladies: Women who’ve gone via menopause, particularly these with further threat elements, comparable to a household historical past of osteoporosis or private historical past of fractures, could also be suggested to bear a DEXA scan to guage their bone density.
• Men over 70: Older males are additionally susceptible to creating osteoporosis and a DEXA scan might help decide if they’ve low bone density.
• Individuals with threat elements: If you might have particular threat elements for osteoporosis, comparable to a household historical past of the situation, sure medical circumstances (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, persistent kidney illness), or extended use of medicines recognized to have an effect on bone well being (e.g. corticosteroids), a DEXA scan could also be really helpful.
• Fracture evaluation: If you might have skilled a fracture after minimal trauma or suspect you could have osteoporosis as a consequence of signs like again ache or peak loss, a DEXA scan can support in analysis and information additional remedy.

It is important to debate together with your healthcare supplier whether or not a DEXA scan is acceptable for you based mostly in your particular person circumstances and medical historical past. They can consider your threat elements, think about different diagnostic choices if wanted and decide probably the most appropriate plan of action in your bone well being analysis.