dexa scan report 87 year old patient

What is a DEXA scan for the elderly?

The elderly, especially women who have crossed the age of 65, need to undergo a DEXA scan to assess bone health. DEXA, acronym for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a technology used for evaluating the bone strength. It calculates the bone mineral density (BMD), a key parameter to judge bone strength.

What did my last DEXA scan show?

My last dexa scan showed NORMAL bone density! You can increase your bone density too. This web site is filled with information about ways to do it. (Suggestion: Start by getting clear as to why you have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis.

What is a DEXA test and how does it work?

DEXA tests help your healthcare provider track your bone density and risk for having a broken bone over time. Providers often use DEXA tests to help diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis results when you to lose bone faster than your body can create new bone tissue. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Over time, bones get weaker.

What is composition DEXA scan?

Composition DEXA Scan lets fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and dieters measure body composition. See exactly how much body fat and muscle you have and where. DEXA Scan helps identify patients at high risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. By monitoring bone density, physicans and patients can assess risk and proactively treat the problem.

Should 90 year old get a DEXA scan?

Bone density tests are recommended for all women age 65 and older, and for younger women at higher-than-normal risk for a fracture. Men may want to discuss osteoporosis screening with their doctor if they're over age 70 or at high risk for thinning bones.

What should my bone density be for my age?

A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass or osteopenia. Examples are T-scores of -1.1, -1.6 and -2.4.

What is a normal bone density for a 70 year old woman?

It is recommended that women < 70 years old are treated if the bone mineral density T-score is below -2.5. For women > or = 70 years of age, a lower cut-off point has been chosen, i.e. a Z-score below -1.

What are normal scores for DEXA scan?

DXA Scan Results T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia. T-score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis.

How can I increase my bone density after 70?

5 ways to build strong bones as you ageThink calcium. Women up to age 50 and men up to age 70 need 1,000 milligrams daily; women over 50 and men over 70 should get 1,200 milligrams daily.And vitamin D. ... Exercise. ... Don't smoke. ... Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. ... Remember protein. ... Maintain an appropriate body weight.

What does age matched mean on a DEXA scan?

The age-matched reading, known as the Z-score, compares a person's bone density to what is expected in someone of equivalent age, sex, and size. However, among older and elderly adults, low bone mineral density is common, so comparison with age-matched norms can be misleading.

Do most 80 year olds have osteoporosis?

According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, the prevalence of osteoporosis based on reduced hip bone density was estimated at 4% in women 50 to 59 years of age compared to 44% in women 80 years of age and older.

How often should a 75 year old woman have a bone density test?

And they found that women with a healthy initial test could wait as long as 15 years before getting a second screening. But women deemed at moderate risk should get tested about every five years. And women at high risk should get tested more often, perhaps even annually.

How often should a 72 year old woman have a bone density test?

How Often Should I Get Tested? If you are taking medication for osteoporosis, expect to have a bone density test every 1 to 2 years. Even if you don't have osteoporosis, your doctor may suggest that you get a bone density test every 2 years, especially for women during or after menopause.

What is a serious T-score for osteoporosis?

A T-score between −1 and −2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not low enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. A T-score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

How do you read DEXA fat results?

Just below the body fat percentage line is the fat mass index. Normal for men are between 3-6, and for women it is 5-9. Values above these would be classified as excess fat. Class 1 obesity for men is 9-12 and for women is 13-17.

What are normal z scores for bone density?

Bone density Z-score chartZ-scoreMeaning0Bone density is the same as in others of the same age, sex, and body size.-1Bone density is lower than in others of the same age, sex, and body size.-2Doctors consider scores higher than this to be normal.-2.5This score or lower indicates secondary osteoporosis.1 more row

What You Should Know

Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan to test for osteoporosis or thinning of your bones.

What To Expect

Make sure to let your healthcare provider or radiologist (medical professional specially trained in radiation procedures) if you are pregnant or think you may or could be pregnant.

Benefits and Risks of DEXA Scans

DEXA scans are different from other imaging procedures because they are used to screen for a specific condition.

What is a dexa scan?

Results. Outlook. A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

What is the purpose of a dexa scan?

It may also be used to monitor whether your osteoporosis treatment is working. Usually the scan will target your lower spine and hips. Standard X-ray diagnostics used before the development of the DEXA technology were only able to detect bone loss that was greater than 40 percent.

What is the best technique for assessing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women?

It involves an extremely low level of radiation. The World Health Organization (WHO) established DEXA as the best technique for assessing bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. DEXA is also known as DXA or bone densitometry.

How long before a dexa scan can you take calcium supplements?

DEXA scans are usually outpatient procedures. There aren’t any special preparations needed, except to stop taking any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing. Depending on the body area being scanned, you may have to take off any clothes with metal fasteners, zippers, or hooks.

What is the DEXA apparatus?

The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that you lie on. A movable arm above holds the X-ray detector. A device that produces X-rays is below the table. The technician will position you on the table. They may place a wedge under your knees to help flatten your spine for the image, or to position your hip.

What age do you break a bone?

if you have symptoms of osteoporosis. if you break a bone after age 50. if you’re a man age 50 to 59 or a postmenopausal woman under 65 with risk factors. Osteoporosis risk factors include: use of tobacco and alcohol. use of corticosteroids and some other drugs.

What is the score of a bone scan?

This is called your T score. It’s the standard deviation between your measured bone loss and the average. A score of -1 or above is considered normal.

Why do women need a dexa scan?

So healthcare providers usually recommend women get a DEXA scan to screen for osteoporosis at younger ages compared to men. Your provider may recommend a DEXA scan if you have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis or fractures: Increased age: Many individuals lose bone mass as they get older.

What is a DEXA test?

A bone density test, DEXA, measures the mineral content of the bones in certain areas of the skeleton. It’s a way to measure bone loss as you age. Healthcare providers sometimes call these tests bone densitometry tests, or DXA.

Why do you need a dexa test?

DEXA tests help your healthcare provider track your bone density and risk for having a broken bone over time. Providers often use DEXA tests to help diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis results when you to lose bone faster than your body can create new bone tissue. This is most common in postmenopausal women.

What does a bone scanner do?

The scanner translates the bone density measurement data into pictures and graphs. Bone is most easily seen in white, while the, fat and muscle tissue look like shadows in the background on the technologist’s computer monitor.

What happens if you break a bone at age 50?

Previous fracture injuries: Breaking a bone, especially after age 50, may be a sign that you’re at greater risk. Porous (less dense) bones break more easily. Medications: Some medications, such as the steroid prednisone, cancer drugs, and drugs used after an organ transplant can weaken your bones.

Is a dexa scan good for osteoporosis?

Medical experts consider DEXA scans the “gold standard” for diagnosing osteoporosis and fracture risk. Many individuals lose bone density as they age. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept fragile bones simply as a reality of getting older. It is never too early to learn how to take care of your bones!

Can you wear clothes during a dexa test?

DEXA bone density tests are outpatient procedures. You may be able to wear your regular clothes during the test. Or you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. There are no needles or injections in this test. Getting a DEXA test is similar to having a standard X-ray.

What is a dexa scan?

Getting evaluated and treated for bone loss is crucial for every woman’s healthcare, and the DEXA scan is the standard way to screen for osteoporosis. DEXA (or DXA) stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It measures the bone mineral density and is a relatively inexpensive test usually covered by insurance.

How many women get bone density test?

Despite the standard recommendation for screening of all women aged 65 years and older, only about 30-50% of eligible women get a bone density test.

Can a woman get a dexa?

Younger Women Can Benefit If They Have Certain Risk Factors. If you’re a woman younger than 65, you should consider getting a DEXA if you have risk factors such as a fracture from minor trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, or a parent who had a hip fracture.

Is dexa a good test for osteoporosis?

This often leads to overtreatment which causes more harm than good. DEXA screening for osteoporosis is one of the top five overused tests according to a 2012 report released by the American Academy of Family Physicians. It should not be used in women younger than age 65 with no risk factors, the Academy emphasizes.

Why is it important to understand dexa scan results?

You can understand your dexa scan results. And understanding those results is important if you are serious about strengthening your bones. You need to understand exactly where you are NOW if you want to plan to be somewhere else in a year or so.

What does BMD mean in bone density?

1. The column marked BMD gives your bone mineral den sity - the number of grams per centimeter of bone. Numbers of +1.0 or above are good. 2. The column marked T score shows how your bone mineral density compares with women in their thirties, the peak bone density years. when it is highly unlikely that you would suffer a fracture. ...

Why do you need a DXA scan?

If your risk is at a medium level, your doctor would then arrange a DXA scan. This enables them to gain a clearer picture of your risk and then to decide whether you need any treatment. DXA scans are also used to monitor whether treatment for osteoporosis is working. DXA scans are not advised for women who are pregnant.

What is a DXA device?

Peripheral DXA devices are smaller, portable machines that are used to measure bone density on the periphery of your skeleton, such as your wrist, heel or finger. These are mainly to get an idea about whether further tests are needed, as they are not as accurate as the larger DXA machines.

What does DXA stand for?

DXA stands for 'dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry' . DXA (also sometimes known as DEXA) is a test that measures the density of bones. Density means how much of something there is in a certain amount of space. The denser the tissue, the less X-rays pass through. Air and water are less dense than solid things such as bone.

What does a low bone density score mean?

A low score indicates that the bone is less dense than it should be, some material of the bone has been lost and it is more prone to fracture.

How does a machine help in bone density?

A machine sends X-rays from two different sources through the bone being tested. Bone blocks a certain amount of the X-rays. The more dense the bone is, the less X-rays get through to the detector. By using two different X-ray sources rather than one it greatly improves the accuracy in measuring the bone density.

How long does it take to get an X-ray?

The bones commonly scanned are the bones of the back (the vertebrae), hip and wrist. The scan usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being examined and whether a central or peripheral scanner is being used.

Do you need to wear a gown for a DXA scan?

You do not need to do any special preparation prior to a DXA scan. You can normally remain fully clothed, although you will need to avoid or remove clothes with metal in them (for example, zips, belts, buttons). You may also be asked to remove jewellery for the scan. In some places, you may be given a gown to wear.