What is densitometry and who needs to do it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This isn't just an X-ray.

What is densitometry

This is a method for examining bone mineral density using a special type of X-ray. This is how the Bone density scan (DEXA scan) / NHS is determined, how much calcium is contained in the bone structures and whether there is a risk of fracture due to mineral deficiency.

Who is densitometry done?

The main indication for the procedure is osteoporosis. With it, the amount of calcium in the bones decreases and they become very fragile. Doctors perform densitometry to diagnose this pathology. Usually, the Bone mineral density test / U. S. National Library of Medicine women over 65 years old, since with the onset of menopause, calcium metabolism in the body is disrupted. Men may be advised to be examined after the age of 70.

Also, densitometry is prescribed for younger people if they are at risk for other reasons. Taken into account Bone mineral density test / U. S. National Library of Medicine the following factors:

• bone fracture after 50 years;
• there were cases of osteoporosis in the family;
• the person has been treated for prostate or breast cancer;
• a history of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, anorexia nervosa;
• early menopause, which came on its own or due to the removal of the uterus;
• long-term use of drugs from the group of corticosteroids, thyroid hormones or aromatase inhibitors;
• body weight less than 57 kg or body mass index less than 21;
• significant decrease in growth;
• long-term tobacco smoking or alcohol abuse.

How safe is densitometry

The examination is absolutely painless and safe. Doctors use X-rays at a much lower intensity than a standard X-ray. The Bone density scan (DEXA scan) / NHS is considered to be that the amount of radiation a person receives from densitometry corresponds to two days of natural background radiation.

There are no contraindications to the procedure. But it is not recommended by the Bone density test / Mayo Clinic for pregnant women, since X-rays are dangerous for the fetus, especially in the early stages.

How to prepare for densitometry

Practically nothing needs to be done on purpose. But doctors will not begin the Bone density test / Mayo Clinic to conduct densitometry if a person underwent an X-ray study with contrast the day before. The substance used for this diagnosis will reflect X-rays and prevent the bones from being examined normally. Therefore, you will have to wait 1-2 days.

Also, 24 hours before densitometry, you need to stop taking medications and calcium supplements for the Bone density test / Mayo Clinic so that there is no distortion of the results.

Before the procedure, you must remove all metal objects and jewelry so that they do not appear in the picture.

How is densitometry performed?

The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes. There is a Bone mineral density test / U. S. National Library of Medicine has two ways of doing it:

• Central densitometry. With its help, pictures of the lower part of the spine or thigh bones are taken. The person lies motionless on the couch, and the doctor slowly moves the X-ray machine over him.
• Peripheral densitometry. In this case, small handheld devices are used to take pictures of the wrists, toes, feet, or heels.

There is also ultrasound densitometry, which is carried out with a portable device. But it is less accurate, so a diagnosis is not made based on the results of such an examination, but is only used to quickly assess the condition of the bones.

What result can be

After scanning, you need to decrypt the snapshot. To do this, it is compared with normal indicators and exposed to the Bone mineral density test / U. S. National Library of Medicine two ratings with letter code:

• The T-score is the difference between your bones and a picture of a healthy young person. The norm is a deviation of up to -1 SD (English standard deviation - standard deviation). A result down to -2.5 SD is defined as a moderate decrease in density. A value less than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.
• Z-score is the difference between your bones and that of someone of the same age. If the result is less than -2, the density is lowered Bone density scan (DEXA scan) / NHS.