What Does Dexa Mean In Orthopedics?

What does DEXA stand for?

Bone densitometry, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA, uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower (or lumbar) spine and hips) to measure bone loss.

What does a DEXA scan tell you?

A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is a type of low-dose x-ray test that measures calcium and other minerals in your bones. The measurement helps show the strength and thickness (known as bone density or mass) of your bones.

How do you interpret DEXA scan results?

Understanding Bone Density Test Results

1. A T- score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9.
2. A T- score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone density or osteopenia.
3. A T- score of -2.5 or below is a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
4. The lower a person’s T- score, the lower the bone density.

What is the T-score for severe osteoporosis?

A T – score between −1 and −2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not low enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. A T – score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

At what age do you stop DEXA scans?

For postmenopausal women aged 50 to 64 who undergo BMD testing and have baseline T scores >−1.50, the transition to osteoporosis is so slow that clinicians might consider deferring the next DXA test to age 65, the age at which routine BMD screening is recommended for all women.

Can I drink milk before a DEXA scan?

Do NOT eat foods high in calcium for 3-4 hours before your DXA scan. These foods include: milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green leafy vegetables. Do NOT take calcium supplements, vitamins, or TUMS® on the day of your scan.

Can a DEXA scan show arthritis?

When bone density is measured using DXA scanning, people with advanced (but not early) osteoarthritis in the spine (but not the hip) can appear to have a higher bone density than that measured by other methods because osteophytes (bone spurs) and disc narrowing may give the impression that the bone is thicker than it

Is DEXA scan worth it?

Who should get a bone-density scan? For women over 65 and men over 70, DEXA scans are only appropriate for those with moderate risk of fracture or when the results will change the patients care plan. Younger women and men ages 50 to 69 should consider the test if they have risk factors for serious bone loss.

How often should a woman get a DEXA scan?

How often should I have a bone mineral density test? How often you should have your BMD measured depends on your age and results of your previous DEXA scan. Women 65 years and older with normal bone mass or mild bone loss can have a test every 15 years.

What is a bad DEXA scan score?

DXA Scan Results The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T- score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T- score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia. T- score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis.

Can DEXA scan results be wrong?

DXA testing is an excellent tool, especially when you have an initial test. Even if you have a 5% error you will be in the ballpark.

What happens if your bone density is low?

A person may have low bone mass at any age but not develop osteoporosis. However, if a person has low bone mass and continues to lose bone density, this may lead to osteoporosis. A combination of low bone mass and a risk factor for fracture may increase your risk for broken bones, too.

What is the safest osteoporosis drug 2020?

FDA approves new treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Evenity (romosozumab-aqqg) to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of breaking a bone (fracture).

Will osteoporosis shorten my life?

Women younger than 75 years and men under 60 years can expect to live at least 15 more years after beginning treatment for osteoporosis, according to a new observational study.

What happens if osteoporosis is left untreated?

Osteoporosis left untreated increases the likelihood of fractures. Simple actions such as sneezing or coughing, making a sudden turn, or bumping into a hard surface can result in a fracture. This can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells and cause you to refrain from participating in activities that you enjoy.