Strong Bones Program
A key first step in improving your bone health.
A bone density scan is painless, safe, does not involve anesthesia, injections, contrast materials, needles, enemas, or medications. The DXA machine emits a narrow beam of very low doses of X-ray (less than radiation from an airplane trip and equivalent to two hours of direct sunshine) to rapidly scan and measure the density of your bones. DXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips and forearms. A computer converts the information to numbers indicating your bone density. There are no aftereffects.
You will fill out a questionnaire to help the doctor determine your risk for osteoporosis. The technologist will measure your height and weight.
During the scan you will lie on your back on a comfortable, padded table for several minutes. The scan will examine the lower spine, both hips and other important points on your skeleton. To assess the spine, your legs will be supported on a pad to flatten the pelvis and lower spine. To assess the hip, your foot will be positioned in a way that rotates the hip inward. A scanner arm above you will slowly pass over the part of your body being examined, generating images on a computer monitor.
The machine will not touch your body. You will need to remain as still as possible for the scan. The bone density scan takes about 20 minutes. You can resume your usual activities immediately afterwards.
Low bone density suggests some increased risk for fragility fracture. Your risk can be estimated from your age, gender, ethnicity, history and other individual risk factors. Your risk of having a hip fracture or other major broken bone in the next 10 years is used to determine whether you should consider prescription treatment for bone fragility.
Working together, the team shapes and continually refines a plan of care suited to each person’s needs.
If you have a bone density (DXA) scan prescription, you can call central scheduling at 302-838-3088.