DEXA, which stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, is a highly advanced x-ray technology used to measure bone loss. Using a very small dose of ionizing radiation (about 1/10th the dose of a CT scan), this noninvasive test is most often used to examine the bones of the lower spine and hip, which can be prone to fracture when a person has osteoporosis. Though post-menopausal women are most likely to experience osteoporosis, it can also affect men and, in rare cases, children.
DEXA is used to diagnose and monitor the progression of osteoporosis, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis can promote therapies that will help prevent further bone loss and reduce the chance of fracture. Because hip fracture in particular can be quite serious, DEXA can be important in protecting a person’s quality of life – and even life itself.
DEXA may be recommended if you are a woman who:
is post-menopausal and not on estrogen therapy
has a personal or maternal history of hip fracture
Osteoporosis risk in post-menopausal women can be compounded by other factors, such as being tall (5 feet, 8 inches and above) and/or thin (under 125 lbs).
DEXA may be indicated for men and women over 50 who:
have a condition associated with bone loss, such as chronic liver disease, kidney disease or rheumatoid arthritis
have a parent who broke a hip
smoke and/or drink heavily
have type 1 diabetes
are on medications shown to cause bone loss, such as certain corticosteroids, seizure drugs, barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement medication
have been diagnosed with high bone turnover
have a thyroid or parathyroid condition
have had a fracture from a minor injury
have had a vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis
have lost more than an inch in height
have unexplained back pain
If you think you could be at risk of bone loss or fracture, talk to your referring clinician about whether DEXA bone density testing might be right for you.