1. Purpose:

• A DEXA scan measures the density of your bones, providing insights into their strength.
• It is commonly used to:
  – Diagnose osteoporosis: A condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures.
  – Assess fracture risk: By evaluating bone density, doctors can estimate the likelihood of bone breakage.

2. Procedure:

• The scan is quick and painless.
• You lie on your back on an X-ray table while a specialized machine passes low-dose X-rays through your body.
• Detectors in the DEXA machine measure how much radiation passes through your bones.
• The information collected is sent to a computer for analysis.

3. Why you might need a Dexa scan.

Remember, maintaining strong bones is crucial for overall health. If you fall into any of the following categories, consider discussing a DEXA scan with your doctor:
A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis.

• have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury.
• have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density.
• have been taking medicines called oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or more – glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammation, but can also cause weakened bones
• are a woman who has had an early menopause, or you had your ovaries removed at a young age (before 45) and have not had hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• are a postmenopausal woman and you smoke or drink heavily, have a family history of hip fractures, or a body mass index (BMI) of less than 21
• are a woman and have large gaps between periods (more than a year)

Unfortunately, we are unable to do a Dexa Scan in the following circumstances:

• Patient who has had a DXA scan performed within the last 2 years.
• Patient who is under the age of 20.
• Pregnancy or risk of pregnancy.
• Patient who would exceed 204kg. in weight
• Patient who has had a recent contrast or isotope radiological exam within the last 3 weeks.
• Body mass measurements / sports assessment.