DEXA (Bone Densitometry)

This service is available at all locations.

Locations

  • Riverside
  • Pointe West
  • Parrish
  • Arcadia

DEXA (Bone Densitometry)

This service is available at all locations.

Locations

  • Riverside
  • Pointe West
  • Parrish
  • Arcadia

What is DEXA?

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an imaging technology that uses a very low amount of X-ray energy to detect the presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, leading to bone fragility and an increased chance of fractures to the spine, hips and wrists. This weakening may be due to aging or caused by other risk factors that combine with age. Often called the “silent disease,” osteoporosis rarely shows symptoms until a lot of bone mass has been lost. The most visible symptoms may include loss of height along with curvature of the upper back.

DEXA scanning can identify low bone density in patients at an early stage, enabling doctors to prescribe appropriate treatment before the condition worsens. Images of the lower spine and hips are most often used in checking for osteoporosis. The test results are then read thoroughly and interpreted by radiologists, who sub-specialize in Musculoskeletal Radiology. For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit RadiologyInfo.org.