A DEXA scan is carried out to measure bone mineral density. Measuring bone mineral density is crucial for the diagnosis of several bone disorders. In addition, a bone mineral density test will help you assess your risk for developing fractures and injuries to the bone. A bone mineral density test like the DEXA scan will help you diagnose the amount of mineral in the bone in a specific area. A low mineral density or bone mass indicates a greater risk for developing fractures. The bone mineral density test is also useful for monitoring response to treatment. The DEXA scan should thus be carried out periodically to ensure that the treatment is helping improve your condition and there is a increase in your bone density. You may require treatment if your DEXA scan diagnoses bone disorders like osteoporosis or osteopenia. You may have been recommended a DEXA scan for a number of reasons. For instance, there are certain risk factors that lead to bone loss and consequently require a bone mineral density evaluation.
These risk factors may also result in disorders like osteoporosis that can be effectively diagnosed with the help of a DEXA scan. Old age, a heavy intake of alcohol or tobacco, calcium deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are some of the common risk factors for which a DEXA scan is recommended. Other reasons for recommending a DEXA scan include early menopause, hyperthyroidism, disorders requiring the use of medications that may lead to bone loss and a sudden loss in height.
The DEXA scan is read in terms of a 'T-score'. This T-score is to be understood as a comparison between the bone density of a person with a 'peak bone mass' (this is the highest bone mass seen in a healthy 30 year old person) and your own. To understand your bone mineral density results therefore, read it as a comparison with a normal 'peak bone mass'. The T-score is measured as a standard deviation to help you assess by how much your bone density is above or below normal.
A T-score that falls between 1 and -1 is considered normal. T-scores between -1 and -2.5 are a sign of low bone mass or density and indicate osteopenia. A T-score that is -2.5 or lower is indicative of osteoporosis. You should contact your physician about possible treatment options after a bone mineral density test in conducted.
Submitted by M T on February 17, 2010 at 02:53