BONE DENSITY SCAN

A bone density scan can identify whether you have osteoporosis, a disease that causes your bones to become increasingly brittle and prone to breaking.

The scan utilizes X-rays to determine how much calcium and other bone components are compressed into a section of bone. Furthermore the hip, spine, and occasionally the forearm are the most frequently examined bones.

Why Is Performed?

A bone density scan is used by doctors to: 

  • Detect changes in bone density when you fracture a bone
  • Find out whether you’re in danger of breaking a bone (fractures)
  • Confirm an osteoporosis diagnosis
  • Observe the osteoporosis therapy

The greater the mineral composition of your bones, the denser they are. Likewise, the harder your bones are, the tougher they are and the less prone they are to fracture.

Moreover, bone density scans are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans are utilized to identify injuries, tumors, infections, and other disorders in the bone.

Osteoporosis affects both men and women, although it is more common in older women. Your doctor may suggest a bone density scan regardless of your gender or age if you’ve:

  • Broke a bone
  • Lost height
  • Decreased in hormone levels
  • Taking certain medications

How Will You Prepare?

A bone density scan is a fast, painless procedure. There isn’t much preparation required ahead of time. However, make sure to inform your doctor if you have just had a CT scan, barium exam, or nuclear medicine exam since these may hamper your bone density scan. 

In addition, your doctor may advise you to refrain from taking certain medicines or eating specific meals for 24 hours before the procedure. He or she will also recommend you to wear loose, comfortable clothes.

What Does A Bone Density Scan Entail?

Bone density scans are most often performed on the bones that are most prone to shatter due to osteoporosis, such as:

  • Bones in the lower spine 
  • The thin neck of the thighbone 
  • Your forearm bones

If you undergo this in a hospital, it will most likely be taken on a machine that requires you to lay on a cushioned bench, whereas a mechanical arm runs across your body. The quantity of radiation you’re taken to is very minimal, far less than that released by a chest X-ray.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]