The bone densitometer measures your bone mineral density and diagnoses your bone status and risk for fracture. Known as a DEXA scan, this simple scan of the hip and lower spine can help diagnose osteoporosis early, when there is still time to begin appropriate and effective treatments.
Your doctor may recommend a bone density test:
- to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
- to detect low bone density before a fracture occurs
- to determine your rate of bone loss if the test is repeated over time
- to monitor the effects of treatment over time
- or if you are menopausal, taking steroids, have hyperthyroidism or a past fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected.
Bone density testing for osteoporosis is simple, safe, non-invasive and painless. The test is more sensitive than ordinary x-ray and can diagnose bone loss at an earlier stage. Normal x-rays can detect fractures of the bone, but are not sensitive enough to detect bone loss until at least 30 percent of bone mass has been lost.
For more information, or to make an appointment for a bone density scan, please call 425.899.1849.