DEXA Bone Density and Body Composition Scan
Accurate Body Composition & Bone Health Insights with DEXA Scans
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, also known as a DXA Scan, is a specialized medical imaging test that serves two primary purposes: measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and assessing body composition.
The bone density scan helps detect osteoporosis, assess fracture risk and monitor bone health over time. Meanwhile, the body composition scan provides a comprehensive analysis of fat, muscle, and bone mass, making it a valuable tool for both medical assessments and fitness evaluations.
Signs You May Need a DEXA Scan
Bone Density Scan:
History of Fractures
Frequent or recent fractures, particularly in the wrist, hip, or spine.
Loss of Height
A noticeable reduction in height, possibly due to spinal compression fractures.
Chronic Back Pain
Persistent back pain, especially in the lower back.
Early Menopause
Women who experience menopause before age 45.
Post-menopausal Status
Women over 65 or postmenopausal women with risk factors.
Low Body Weight
Those with a body weight under 127 pounds or BMI under 18.5.
Family History
A family history of osteoporosis or fractures.
Medications
Long-term use of corticosteroids or other bone-affecting drugs.
Chronic Conditions
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or hyperthyroidism.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Body Composition Scan:
Fitness Goals
Individuals aiming to monitor muscle mass, body fat percentage, and visceral fat for athletic performance or weight management.
Weight Loss Programs
People involved in weight loss programs to assess fat loss versus muscle loss.
Chronic Conditions
Patients with obesity or metabolic conditions requiring a detailed analysis of body fat distribution.
If any of these symptoms or risk factors are present, a healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan to assess bone health and determine the need for treatment.
Want to see what the HOCATT™ Wellness System can do for you?
We help patients from Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh and nearby.
Dexa Bone Density & Body Composition Scan Treatment: How It Works
How It's Done:
During the scan, you’ll lie on a cushioned table while a low-dose X-ray machine passes over the body. The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes and involves minimal radiation exposure. The scan is painless, and you can remain fully clothed, provided there are no metal objects in the scanning area.
How It Works:
The DEXA machine uses two X-ray beams with different energy levels to capture images of the bones. By measuring the absorption of each beam by the bones, the machine calculates bone density. The results are compared to a standard reference to determine bone strength and fracture risk.
For body composition, the scan analyzes different tissues (fat, lean muscle, and bone) by differentiating how each tissue absorbs X-rays.
Benefits:
For bone density, the DEXA scan is considered the gold standard for helping to identify bone loss early and monitor changes over time, allowing for timely intervention. It is often used to diagnose osteoporosis, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and assess fracture risk, guiding decisions on lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications to strengthen bones.
It is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, older adults, and individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis, guiding preventive care and management.
For body composition, it provides detailed insights into body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass to help tailor fitness and nutrition programs.
What Can You Expect?
When undergoing a DEXA scan, you can expect the following:
- Preparation: You can eat and drink normally but should avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan. Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.
- During the Scan: You’ll lie still on a cushioned table while the machine scans your body. The scan is painless, quick, and non-invasive.
- Post-Scan: There’s no recovery time needed, and you can resume normal activities immediately.
Where to Find Dexa Treatment
Want to find out if a DEXA scan is right for you? Schedule a 15-minute health advisor call here.
Your Long-Term Plan
- Follow-Up Scans: Recommended every 1-2 years to monitor bone density or body composition changes.
- Treatment Plans: For low bone density, this may include medications, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. For body composition, it may involve tailored fitness and nutrition programs.
- Patient Outlook: With early detection and a well-structured treatment plan, DEXA scans can lead to better management of bone health and overall well-being.
This integrated approach to bone density and body composition scanning allows for a comprehensive assessment of both bone health and overall body composition, helping guide preventive care, treatment, and personalized health strategies.
FAQ
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a diagnostic test used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It helps assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by providing detailed images of bones, typically the spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm.
A DEXA scan checks for bone mineral density (BMD) to assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, and it can also measure body composition, including the proportions of fat, muscle, and bone mass in the body.
A DEXA scan is recommended for postmenopausal women, men over 70, individuals with a history of fractures, those with risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., family history, early menopause, low body weight), and anyone taking medications or having conditions that affect bone density.
Preparation is minimal. You can eat and drink normally but should avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan. Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or belts.
Yes, the DEXA scan is safe. It uses a very low dose of radiation, much less than a standard X-ray. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and does not cause any side effects.
No, a DEXA scan is not designed to detect arthritis; it measures bone mineral density to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk but cannot directly diagnose arthritis.
A DEXA scan typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the area being scanned.
During the scan, you will lie on a cushioned table while an arm-like device passes over your body. You need to stay still to ensure accurate results. The scan is painless and requires no recovery time.
The frequency of DEXA scans depends on your bone density results and risk factors. Generally, follow-up scans may be recommended every 1-2 years to monitor bone density changes.
The results of a DEXA scan are usually given as a T-score and Z-score. The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult, while the Z-score compares it to people of the same age, gender, and ethnicity. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
If your scan indicates low bone density or osteoporosis, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment options, including medications, supplements (calcium and vitamin D), and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) to strengthen your bones and reduce fracture risk.
The disadvantages of a DEXA scan include limited ability to diagnose conditions beyond bone density (e.g., it cannot detect arthritis), minimal but present radiation exposure, potential inaccuracies in people with severe obesity or spinal deformities, and the fact that it primarily provides information on bone health without assessing bone quality or structure.
