DEXA Scan and Bone Densitometry at Charter Radiology

A Closer Look at Bone Health

DEXA – which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry – takes an x-ray image of the bones. The results of the scan are compared to normal bone mineral density values based on a patient’s age, gender, and ethnicity to determine high, normal, or low bone density. This information, combined with risk factors and previous fractures, is used to determine a person’s risk of future fractures.

What is Bone Densitometry?

Weak or brittle bones are one of the leading causes of fractures and breaks in men and women. Women, especially post-menopausal women, are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis – a bone disease that occurs when the body losses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis begin with diagnostic imaging called bone densitometry, which measures your bone density and assesses your risk for osteoporosis. Bone densitometry is a safe, accurate, and painless way to measure bone density.

The DEXA Scan – What to Expect

A bone density scan is a quick and simple low-dose x-ray that takes only minutes to complete.

• You will lay on the comfortable padded table while the DXA system scans two or more areas, usually the fracture-prone hips and spine.
• The scan only takes about three minutes.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with no zippers, buttons, or other metal.
• You may eat normally on the day of the exam; however, please avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24-hours prior to your scan.
• Unlike typical x-rays, radiation exposure during bone density exams is extremely low.

The Most Advanced DEXA Technology is at Charter Radiology

Charter Radiology’s Clarksville center is home to the Horizon® DXA system from Hologic® which offers superb visualization, unparalleled speed and precision, and uses the most advanced technology available for bone densitometry today.

The Horizon DXA System produces the crisp, high-resolution images to accurately assess bone density for our patients.

In addition to bone density screening, the Horizon DXA System also features:

• Atypical Femur Fracture Assessment – In a quick, 15-second scan, the Horizon DXA system produces radiographic quality images of the entire femur for assessment of potential atypical femur fractures.
• Abdominal Aortic Calcification – Visualization of calcified plaque in the abdominal aorta, which may be a significant indication of heart disease and stroke.
• Instant Vertebral Assessment™ Scan – An assessment of spine fracture risk by combining an accurate assessment of bone density with high-resolution vertebral imaging.

Advanced Body Composition® Assessment – A full-body scan providing detailed information including patients’ percentage of body fat, percentage of lean mass, and visceral fat (more detailed information than a BMI calculation).