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Plays a vital role in early detection of Osteoporosis

Plays a vital role in early detection of Osteoporosis

Bone Densitometry (DEXA)

Osteoporosis, the commonest metabolic bone disease in clinical practice, is a major public health problem worldwide. It’s prevalence in our country is increasing due to ageing population. It is mandatory to diagnose and treat osteoporosis, much before the occurrence of fracture.

DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) technology combined with innovative software and hardware form a versatile tool in diagnosing Osteoporosis, assessing fracture risk and monitoring response to therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common answers to clarify your questions.

Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle, less dense and considerably more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis affects more than 20 million women and 5 million men in this country, primarily over the age of 50. A woman's risk for osteoporosis related injury, such as a hip fracture, is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

Until recently, osteoporosis was often undiagnosed, progressing silently over the years, until a fracture occurred. With the development of DEXA, early diagnosis is possible and fractures associated with this disease can be prevented. It is apparent that early diagnosis, therapeutic interventions and use of bone density testing to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis have enabled physicians with technology and treatment options that were unavailable in the past. We now have the tools not only to identify, but overcome Osteoporosis.

In the years following menopause, women will naturally experience bone loss because of a decrease in estrogen. Most will have no symptoms, even while the disease progresses.

Following factors add to your risk of developing osteoporosis.

  • Age
  • Thin or Small Build
  • Previous Fracture
  • Family History of Osteoporosis
  • Early Menopause
  • Smoking
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Certain medications (including steroids & thyroid hormones)
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Inadequate calcium intake

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most accurate and advanced test available for measuring bone mass with excellent resolution and reproducible precision. DEXA test is more sensitive than ordinary X-rays, more accurate than radiograms (radiographic absorptiometry) and can diagnose bone loss at an earlier stage.

  • To determine your actual bone density and fracture risk
  • To reveal early signs of bone loss with the lowest false positive or false negative results
  • To diagnose low bone mass that may signal the need for treatment

Wear comfortable clothing - no metal zippers, buttons or buckles. There is no food restrictions for the study. Typical DEXA exams are completely painless and only take 10 minutes to perform.

A brief history is required which may include:

  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Radiographic findings of osteoporosis
  • Recent Fractures
  • Post menopause or Early menopause

When you arrive in the department you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. You will then be asked to lie on an examination couch. A motorized arm will move over your body during the scan which lasts for about 5-10 minutes. It is a completely painless procedure. The results are usually available within one hour after scan