What Is A Bone Density Examination?

 

Bone densitometry, also termed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA, uses a very small dosage of ionizing radioactivity to produce images of the inside of the body (usually the lower (or lumbar) backbone and hips) to gauge bone loss. It is frequently used to identify osteoporosis, and to evaluate an individual's risk for evolving osteoporotic fractures. DXA is humble, rapid, and noninvasive. It's also the most frequently used and the most standard technique for identifying osteoporosis.

This examination done on equipment made by Bone Densitometer Manufacturers needs little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor and the technologist if there is a likelihood you are expectant or if you recently had a barium examination or received an inoculation of contrast material for a CT or radioisotope examination. 

What are some mutual uses of the technique?

DXA is most often used to identify osteoporosis, a condition that often affects females after menopause but may also be found in men and infrequently in children. Osteoporosis comprises a steady loss of bone, as well as basic changes, producing the bones to become stripper, more delicate, and more likely to break.

DXA is also actual in tracking the consequences of treatment for osteoporosis and other disorders that cause bone loss.

The DXA examination can also evaluate an individual's risk for evolving fractures. The danger of fracture is affected by age, body weight, past prior fracture, family past of osteoporotic fractures, and lifestyle problems such as cigarette smoking and unnecessary alcohol consumption. These issues are taken into consideration when deciding if a patient needs treatment.

Bone density examination is strongly suggested if you:

· are a post-menopausal lady and not taking estrogen.

· have a special or maternal past of hip fracture or smoking.

· are a post-menopausal lady who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or reedy (less than 125 pounds).

· are a man with medical situations related to bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic kidney or liver disease.

· use medicines that are recognized to reason bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medicines such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid substitute drugs.

How must I formulate it?

On the day of the examination, you may eat usually. You must not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your examination. You must wear slack, comfortable clothing, evading garments that have zippers, belts, or buttons made of metal. Items such as keys or cases that would be in the area being skimmed must be removed.

You may want to remove some clothing and/or change into a dress for the examination. 

What does the apparatus look like?

There are two kinds of DXA apparatus produced by Bone Densitometer Manufacturers: a central device and a peripheral device.

Most of the machines used for DXA are central machines, which are used to gauge bone density in the hip and spine. They are typically situated in hospitals and medical offices. Central machines have a huge, flat table and an "arm" suspended overhead. Peripheral machines gauge bone density in the wrist, heel, or finger and are often obtainable in pharmacies and on mobile health vans in the community. The pDXA machines are smaller than the central DXA machines, weighing only about 60 pounds. They may have a movable box-like assembly with a space for the foot or forearm to be placed for imaging. Other movable technologies such as specially intended ultrasound machines are also sometimes used for screening. Though, central DXA is the standard method.

How does the process function?

The DXA apparatus sends a tinny, invisible ray of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones being inspected. One peak is engrossed mostly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The soft tissue amount can be deducted from the total and what lingers is a patient's bone mineral density. DXA machines bought from Bone Densitometer Manufacturers feature special software that calculates and show the bone density measurements on a computer monitor. 

 

 

How is the process done?

Your specialist will likely do this examination on an outpatient basis.

In the central DXA investigation, which measures the bone density of the hip and backbone, the patient lies on an embellished table. An x-ray generator is positioned beneath the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is located above.

To assess the backbone, the patient's legs are maintained on a lengthened box to compress the pelvis and lower (lumbar) spine. To evaluate the hip, the patient's foot is positioned in a brace that alternates the hip inward. In both cases, the detector is gradually passed over the area, generating pictures on a computer monitor.

You must hold very motionless and may require to hold your breath for a few seconds while the technologist takes the x-ray. This helps decrease the likelihood of a hazy image. The technologist will stride behind a wall or into the next room to trigger the x-ray machine.

 

The peripheral examinations are humbler. The finger, hand, forearm, or foot is positioned in a small machine that obtains a bone density interpretation within a few minutes.