When getting an imaging
procedure done it’s very important to know a little bit about what it is you
are getting done. It doesn’t matter if it’s a CT scan, MRI, or X-Ray. Part of the
reason why it’s so important to be properly educated is peace of mind. Some
patients go a lifetime without imaging procedures so the first time can be a
little scary. Let’s talk a little about bone densitometry procedures.
Bone densitometry is non invasive and it’s used to measure
bone mass. Bone mass is the weight of certain regions of the skeleton. Often
times it’s important to know what bones weigh for one reason or another. One
big reason is finding out bone mass is the possibility of having osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis hits over 20 million Americans every year. Having osteoporosis can
lead to other complications like easily fracturing limbs due to low bone mass.
There are various reasons for bone densitometry such as
leading to less fracture occurrences for patients. A bone fracture is
unbelievably painful and more so if the person suffers from osteoporosis. It’s
not just important to know why a procedure is ordered but it’s also important
to understand what it is that makes these exams possible. What do physicians
use to make this possible?
A bone densitometer tool that is often used is the DEXA scan. DEXA is
an X-Ray used specifically for measuring bone mass. The DEXA is the gold
standard much like the mammography is the gold standard for breast cancer
exams. Like any procedures there are always certain associated negatives.
You may have low bone density but a densitometry exam will
not necessarily determine cause unless it reveals osteoporosis. It’s important
to be diligent and take the necessary steps in order figure out cause, which
may require a different examination altogether. There are a lot of reasons to
go ahead and get the test done and it’s always good to weigh the pluses. Some
of the pluses include the following facts:
·
They can be done at the hip
·
Not a painful procedure
·
Low exposure to radiation
·
There are cost effective measures
·
Provide a good indication of therapy required
While bone densitometry has a relatively standard
application chances are that it will evolve the same way as other exams have.
Only the future will tell what’s in store for bone densitometry but keeping up
with it and knowing a little bit about it makes the test a lot easier.
If you have any questions about DEXA scans or other imaging
procedure, feel free to contact us. We here at Clermont Radiology look forward
whatever questions you may have.
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