DEXA (Bone Densitometry)

Bone Mineral Density Scans For Osteoporosis

At MCR, we are proud to use innovative diagnostic imaging modalities to ensure the comfort of our patients while guaranteeing precise imaging. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a widely used imaging test that measures bone mineral density (BMD) to help detect osteoporosis. This non-invasive, fast and painless procedure focuses on the areas that are most vulnerable to bone loss and fractures, such as the hip and lower spine.

Portable Scanners

There are also portable devices, known as Peripheral DEXA (P-DEXA) scanners, which assess bone density in small areas such as the wrist or forearm. These are often used in clinics or doctor’s offices for convenience.

Common Uses Of A DEXA Scan

The DEXA scan is most commonly performed to:

  • Diagnose osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures—although it is especially common in postmenopausal women, it can also affect men
  • Evaluate fracture risk based on bone density levels
  • Monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment

Who Might Need A Scan

This test is often recommended for patients with symptoms of osteoporosis such as a medical history of broken bones, loss of height and/or weight, changes in your posture, changes to the way you walk and loss of muscle strength. Risk factors include:

  • If you are a postmenopausal woman 60 or older who has risk factors for osteoporosis
  • If hip fractures run in your family history
  • If you smoke or smoked
  • If you are a woman who is taller than 5 feet 7 inches
  • If you are a woman who weighs under 125 pounds
  • If you have hyperparathyroidism
  • If you are on long-term medications known to cause bone loss
Patient lying on a dexa scanner while a clinician prepares the bone density imaging exam.

Preparing For Your Scan

Before your DEXA scan:

  • Stop taking calcium supplements at least 24 hours before your exam
  • Wear loose clothing and avoid wearing metals
  • Tell your technologist or our radiologist if you’ve recently had any contrast imaging tests, such as a CT scan with contrast or a barium X-ray
  • Notify your technologist if you may be pregnant

What Happens During The DEXA Scan?

The procedure typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas of the body that need to be scanned. Staying as still as possible during it is important to ensure accurate results. The DEXA scan is completely painless. While you may need to hold still or stay in an awkward position briefly, the test does not involve any discomfort or recovery time. During your scan, you may:

  • Be asked to change into a medical gown
  • Lie flat on a cushioned table while an imaging arm scans your body
  • For a spine scan, your legs may be elevated to help align your spine correctly
  • For a hip scan, your foot might be positioned in a brace to rotate the hip inward

Understanding Your DEXA Results

The device captures detailed images, which our radiologist then views on a computer monitor in real time. MCR’s radiologist will analyze your DEXA scan results and send them to your doctor for review and to discuss. You’ll receive two main scores:

T-score

A T-score shows your bone density to that of a young, healthy adult without osteoporosis of your same sex.

    • Above -1: Normal
    • Between -1 and -2.5: Osteopenia (early bone loss)
    • Below -2.5: Osteoporosis

Compares your bone density to others your age, size and gender. Extremely high or low Z-scores may prompt further medical evaluation.

Patient Resources

Learn more about osteoporosis or take the bone density test to measure your risk of broken bones below:

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 (757) 466-0089