DEXA Scans – Bones Density Tests for Osteoporosis
DEXA scans (DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) are bone density tests used to diagnose osteoporosis or thinning of the bone. These bone density scans help predict future fracture risks and are used to guide treatment plans for osteoporosis management. Utilizing a Hologic Discovery bone density scanner, Access Sports Medicine uses the gold standard in technology to diagnose osteoporosis.
Who is at Risk for Osteoporosis?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation describes two types of risk factors for osteoporosis: those we can control and those we cannot control.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
- Being over age 50
- Being female
- Menopause
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Low body weight/being small and thin
- Broken bones or height loss
Controllable Risk Factors
- Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
- Getting too much protein, sodium and caffeine
- Having an inactive lifestyle
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Losing weight
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends having a DEXA scan bone density test if:
- You are a woman age 65 or older
- You are a man age 70 or older
- You break a bone after age 50
- You are a woman of menopausal age with risk factors
- You are a postmenopausal woman under age 65 with risk factors
- You are a man age 50-69 with risk factors