The test should take approximately 15 minutes and can be taken at most hospital radiology departments and medical practices. DXA machines give off low doses of X-rays and show bone density. Patients are be tested by using a DXA machine. The bone density in the spine and hip are the most frequently tested. A DEXA Bone Density Scan, also called bone densitometry, uses X-rays to measure bone mineral density (BMD), most commonly in the spine, hips or wrists. Barium and radioisotopes exposure can also affect test results. Patients must not take any minerals or vitamins the day of the exam. D octors will work with patients and consider the need for osteoporosis treatment based on the results of the tests. Some patients can have low bone density but not yet have osteoporosis. Bone density can be tested in a number of places: They can also determine if osteoporosis medication is working. Bone density tests can tell if a patient is at increased risk for breaking bones. The measurements are used to determine decreased. This determines the strength and durability of the bones. A bone density test (also known as bone mass measurement), measures the strength and density of the bones. What is a bone density test?Ī bone density test measures the calcium in the tested area of the bone. Contact your provider if you believe you could benefit from a bone density test. This painless procedure is the only test patients can use to tell if they have weakened bones or osteoporosis. Prevent bone loss: While common, fragility fractures increase around age 55 to 60 and rapidly increase in the decades after.Bone density tests, or DEXA scans, can tell if you are at a higher risk for breaking bones or if you have osteoporosis. You’re never too young to start managing you bone health to prevent future issues, so you should make bone health testing a part of your yearly wellness examination. This kind of fracture can indicate the likelihood for future fractures and potential loss of independence.ĦX: If you've had one fracture, you're two to six times more likely to have another.ĥ0%: Up to half of all women and a quarter of all men will suffer from at least one fragility fracture in their lifetime. If you experience a fracture related to weakened bone health, it could be connected to osteoporosis. A person should be able to sustain a fall from this height without a fracture unless there's an underlying cause that makes the bones fragile.Ĭommon fractures: The most common areas involved in fragility fractures include the hip, spine and wrist. Healthy, strong bones should rarely break without a major trauma. What is a fragility fracture?Ī fragility fracture is any fall from a standing height or less that results in a fracture. For example, approximately 20 percent more women who've suffered hip fractures die within one year of the fracture than those of a similar age who haven't.Ĭall 800-3-ADVOCATE to schedule an appointment and get a DEXA scan at one of our locations near you. A DEXA scan can let you know whether you're at risk for fractures, which can be dangerous to your health. Preventing fractures is vital as you age. Early detection will lead to the care you need to stay healthy. Through a DEXA scan, you can find out whether you have osteoporosis, a 'silent disease' that gradually weakens bones and causes them to become brittle and prone to fractures. We help patients detect issues like osteoporosis and avoid future problems like fragility fractures.ĭEXA is fast, convenient and precise. The process is similar to having an X-ray and takes about 15 minutes.Įarly detection of osteoporosis is possible. If you're 50 years or older, you may benefit from an assessment of your bone health through a bone density (DEXA) scan at Advocate Health Care.