DEXA Scan

Bone Mineral Density assessment is used to detect the presence of osteoporosis in men and women with particular risk factors. Screening for osteoporosis in women helps in making decisions about hormone replacement therapy at menopause, predicting future fracture risk, and monitoring bone density in those with low normal levels and in those with osteoporosis undergoing treatment.

Osteoporosis is a significant health problem that affects more than 25 million women in the United States and potentially 200 million worldwide. This disease is characterized by diminished structural integrity of the skeleton (particular of the trabecular "spongy" bone) which results in an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is a condition that develops silently over a period of years, eventually progressing to a point where a fracture can easily occur causing pain and disability. The post-menopausal female population has the highest incidence of osteoporosis and the highest rate of morbidity and mortality due to osteoporosis.

Throughout life, bones maintain themselves through a process known as remodeling in which old bone matrix is removed (resorption) and new bone matrix is formed. In early adulthood, the levels of bone resorption and bone formation are balanced. During menopause, estrogen levels decline causing bone resorption to exceed bone formation, resulting in a loss of bone mass. Studies indicate that women may lose several percent of their skeleton each year, with the most rapid loss occurring in the years immediately after menopause. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that osteoporosis is responsible for approximately 1.5 million fractures annually in the United States. Hip fractures lead to the most serious consequences - as many as one in every five hip fracture patients may die from complications within a year after fracture, one in every four will require long-term care and an even higher percentage of hip fracture patients will never return to an active and independent lifestyle.

Until recently, osteoporosis was thought to be a natural consequence of aging. However, with the increased focus on women's health issues and preventive medical practices, this attitude is changing. Over 70 clinical studies are currently in progress to assess the safety and effectiveness of new therapies to treat this disease. This push by the pharmaceutical industry to develop new therapies, coupled with the increased recognition of the disease as a preventable and treatable condition, bodes well for women who want to maintain independent and active lifestyles.

Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence.

It is estimated that, at age 50, a woman has nearly 40% chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her lifetime. A woman's lifetime risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Women who suffer hip fractures have a higher mortality rate.

A bone density measurement will determine your bone mineral density (BMD) for the area measured and compares that result with the average BMD of young adult normals of your sex and race at their peak BMD. This information will help your doctor determine if you need to take certain steps to protect bone health. This test is also used to monitor response to therapy. Bone density measurement is simple, safe, noninvasive, and painless.

Bone Density is measured with (DEXA) Dual Energy X-Ray Absorption Bone Density scanning. Manatee Diagnostic Center uses the Hologic QDR 4500 SL Scanner. The scans are obtained while the patient lies on their back on a padded table. The scanner has a motorized C-Arm that allows the lateral (side view) spine to be scanned without patient movement.

Routinely three (3) sites are scanned:

• Hip
• Lumbar Spine (and Lumbar Spine side view)
• The wrist is sometimes used as a third site

This technique allows bone density measurement of multiple sites, to provide maximum information for the physician.

You will be exposed to very little radiation. In most cases, the exposure is less than a standard chest X-ray. As with any procedure, be sure to tell the technologist if you are pregnant.

Many women who are postmenopausal are at risk for osteoporosis. The presence of any one of the following factors can add to your risk:

• Caucasian race or Asian ethnicity
• Thin or small build
• Family history of Osteoporosis or Osteoporotic fracture
• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Smoking
• Inactive lifestyle
• Use of certain medications such as steroids (commonly used to treat asthma and arthritis), certain thyroid hormone and anticonvulsants
• Excessive alcohol use

NOTE: Some authorities believe that the presence of any of these factors increases the risk of osteoporosis. However, even if a woman has none of these factors, she may still have osteoporosis. A bone density measurement can provide the information the doctor needs to establish the diagnosis.

Several treatments are now available for osteoporosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment with bone density measurement is very important.

Manatee Diagnostic Center scans 3 sites for the price of one, covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

Supine Lateral Lumbar Spine is part of our routine bone density evaluation.

The Supine Lateral Spine evaluation is important since it eliminates the inclusion of calcium in the atherosclerosis of the aorta and osteophytes on the facets, which artificially increases the bone density.

Manatee Diagnostic Center uses the Hologic QDR 4500 SL Scanner which has a motorized C-Arm that allows the lateral spine to be scanned in the supine position.

Our routine scan:

• Lumbar Spine in the AP (Supine) projection
• Lumbar Spine in the Supine Lateral projection
• Hip in the AP (Supine) projection (We use the wrist as an alternate site if routine cannot be properly performed)

Remember: A DEXA Bone Density Test can be scheduled when having a mammogram.