DEXA
What is DEXA?
Typically a DEXA scan assesses bone density or tests it. It can also be used to determine the composition of the body, like the percentage of lean and fat muscles. The X-ray Dual-Energy (DEXA) scan utilizes two energy-efficient X-ray lasers, pointing doctors into the bones. The images are divided into two components with double energy levels, including soft tissue and bones.
Why is a DEXA scan done and who needs it?
A DEXA scan is also more sensitive than a standard x-ray to identify slight differences in bone degradation when assessing if an individual has a reduced density of the bone or whether the disease worsens. Doctors agree that the proportion of body fat, like underwater measuring, is much more accurate than other measurement forms.
The findings of a scan will show the severity of bone damage and help doctors assess the likelihood of an individual sustaining a fracture. The findings can also help to decide how much visceral fat an individual may store across some internal organs while determining the makeup of the body.
Physicians will detect osteoporosis using a DEXA scan. The most important purpose of a DEXA scan is to determine the vulnerability and likelihood of fractures of the bones of a human. A specialist may even treat osteoporosis. Bone density is diminished or slimmed down by osteoporosis. When the bones are thin, they are also fragile, making them more likely to break.
The efficacy of any approved osteoporosis medications may also be measured through DEXA scans. The scan can show that bone density or bone density is degrading or improving.
An osteoporosis therapy will require scans every 1 or 2 years. A scan is also needed for women who are post-menopausal and under 65 who may have low bone density risk factors, such as prescription substance usage or low body weight. The suggestion that women perform DEXA scans at an earlier age than men is because bone density loss is caused earlier.