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What is a DEXA Scan?
A twofold - energy X - irradiation absorptiometry ( DEXA ) scan is a type ofX - raythat beat the bone mineral compactness and potential pearl loss . It is a high - preciseness mannikin of ten - ray and if a person ’s bone density is lower for their age , then the DEXA scan helps in indicating the risk for bone shift andosteoporosis .
When Was DEXA Scan First Used?
The DEXA scan was usable commercially for the first time in 1987.(4 )
Explain the Technique in DEXA Scan?
The technique in DEXA scan works by sending two beams of ten - beam of light at dissimilar peak energy frequencies towards the target bones . The welfare of using two energy story in a DEXA scan separates the images into two separate component part , ivory and cushy tissue paper .
One summit energy frequence is absorb by the balmy tissue paper and the other peak frequency balance beam is absorb by the bone . The bone mineral denseness is watch by subtract the soft tissue absorption amount from the full concentration amount .
Which Parts Of The Body Does The DEXA Scan Focus On?
Typically a DEXA CAT scan targets your pelvic girdle and lowly spine.(5 )
How Safe is DEXA Scan?
DEXA is a non - invasive test , very safe , degenerate , and is also more accurate than a unconstipated ex - ray test.(3 , 6 , 7 )
How Accurate is DEXA Scan?
While standard 10 - shaft diagnostics that was used before the development of the DEXA CAT scan were only able to assess bone deprivation that was over 40 percent . However , with DEXA scan , it is possible to value ivory loss within two to four per centum precision .
Before the development of DEXA technology , the first sign of osseous tissue density loss was usually when an elderly broke a bone .
Why is DEXA Scan Considered More Accurate than a Regular X-Ray?
DEXA scan is more exact than a unconstipated x - re because it can detect even the minutest change in ivory red ink . DEXA scan also involves a low level of radiation sickness , minify the risk of infection of being exposed to radiation while undergoing an decade - ray . DEXA scan is even more reliable than other method of determining body fatty percentage , such as submersed weighing .
A DEXA scan can also help doctors determine a affected role ’s torso composition , such as the percent of fat and lean muscle .
What Do The Results of a DEXA Scan Indicate?
Results of a DEXA CAT scan can betoken to doctors the severity of pearl loss , helping them understand the danger of developing a fracture .
The results of the DEXA scan , when used for assess your body penning , may also help mold the level of visceral fat . splanchnic fat is the avoirdupois the torso stores around some of your internal organs.(1 )
What is a DEXA Scan Used For?
A DEXA CAT scan is most commonly used for watch whether a somebody ’s bone are at risk of fracture and/or weak . doctor also use the DEXA scan reports for diagnosing osteoporosis .
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become thin and/or lose density . When your osseous tissue become tenuous , they are more fragile , making them more susceptible to fracture . diagnose whether a person has osteoporosis at an early stage foreclose the condition from getting worse and also lower the risk of fractures .
A DEXA CAT scan is also used by a doctor for assessing whether or not your osteoporosis is progressing . After your first DEXA scan , your doctor will typically prescribe another scan within a yr or two to understand whether there has been any change in your bone density . These DEXA scans can also aid doctors determine the effectiveness of your appointed osteoporosis discussion . Doctors take a call on whether your os density is improving or deterioration , or whether your off-white density is the same .
Who Should Undergo DEXA Scan?
According to data from the National Osteoporosis Foundation , male over the age of 70 and female person over the eld of 65 should seriously consider throw a DEXA scan . The frequence of these scan would depend varying on the results of your first scan.(2 )
People who have osteoporosis and are receiving treatment may require to undergo a DEXA scan every one or two years .
Postmenopausal womenwho are young than 65 and have other risk factors for low ivory density , such as small body weight or using steroid medications , should also consider bring forth a DEXA scan . Medical expert recommend that females should undergo a DEXA scan at a much early age than men because cleaning woman tend to lose bone tightness earlier than Man .
When Will You Doctor Order a DEXA Scan?
Your Doctor of the Church is likely to order a DEXA scan in the following conditions :
If you are a man between 50 - 59 years or a postmenopausal char under 65 and have the below - mentioned risk factors :
Some of the risk of infection factors for osteoporosis admit :
Explain About the DEXA Scan Procedure and its Duration?
There is no need for any picky cookery before taking a DEXA scan . you may continue to eat and drink as you unremarkably would before undergoing the scan . However , for people who are take calcium add-on , they will want to stop taking these supplements at least 24 hr before taking the DEXA scan .
The DEXA scan will be performed by an x - ray technician.(8)It is an outpatient operation and the entire process will take only few minutes.(8)You will be done before you know it .
The DEXA setup has a flat padded table on which you will need to lie on . There is a movable arm above the table that holds an x - beam sensing element . The twist that produces the actual decade - ray is located below the table .
The X - beam of light technician will position you on the tabular array and then station a wedge beneath your knees so as to flatten your spine or the wedge will be used to position your hip . The technician may also position your arm for the scanning procedure .
You will be ask to stay very still while the movable imaging arm above will move slowly across your whole body . The x - ray radiation level is also small enough that the technician will stay in the room along with you while operating the gadget .
Understanding the Results of DEXA Scan
Your DEXA scan reports will be analyzed by a radiotherapist and then given to you as well as your medico within a few years .
The scoring system for a DEXA scan determines your bone passing as against that of a sizable young adult . These standards have been base by the World Health Organization . This is known as your thyroxine score.(8)The thymine account is the standard deviance between the average off-white loss and measured os loss . The score from DEXA scan indicate the following :
Outlook and Conclusion
If your DEXA run down resultant role indicate that you have osteoporosis or osteopenia , then your doctor will go in advance and discuss potential intervention options with you and also advice on what you could do to remain goodish and slow down bone loss .
Treatment in this case just involves pocket-sized lifestyle changes towards a healthier life-style . You may be advocate to fall behind weighting , pattern Libra exercises , strengthening exercise or exercising weight - bearing exercises .
You may need to start supplements if your vitamin five hundred or atomic number 20 levels are low .
For more severe osteoporosis , your doctor may recommend that you take some medicine for strengthen your bones and also for reduce bone expiration . However , before start any drug intervention , check that that you are mindful of any likely side effects of the medicinal drug .
have a healthy life-style and pop medication for slowing down os loss is a undecomposed way to check your wellness and longevity .
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