What is the meaning of DEXA scan?
An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density).
What is a DEXA scan and how is it done?
During the scan, a large scanning arm will be passed over your body to measure bone density in the centre of the skeleton. As the scanning arm is moved slowly over your body, a narrow beam of low-dose X-rays will be passed through the part of your body being examined.
What diagnosis is a DEXA scan?
DXA is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men and rarely in children. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of bone, as well as structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.
How does a DEXA scan work?
DXA works by sending two low-dose X-rays which are absorbed differently by bones and soft tissues. The density profiles from these X-rays are used to calculate bone mineral density. The lower the density, the greater the risk of fracture. DXA is painless and takes about 10 minutes.
What osteoporosis means?
Overview. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced.
How do you diagnose osteoporosis?
To diagnose osteoporosis and assess your risk of fracture and determine your need for treatment, your doctor will most likely order a bone density scan. This exam is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It is most commonly performed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry.
What diagnosis covers bone density?
Medicare covers bone density testing for specific types of people ages 65 and older: Women whose doctors say they’re low in estrogen and at risk for osteoporosis. People whose X-rays show they may have osteoporosis, osteopenia, or spine fractures. People who take steroid medicines or plan to start.
How does DEXA work for osteoporosis?