Often hear of DEXA, the bone density test? But do not know whether you should get it done and when.
The bone mineral density (BMD) test is the main diagnostic tool that allows your orthopaedic doctor to assess your bone health and osteoporosis risk. It checks your bone strength and the probability of fractures.
Osteoporosis is a condition associated with weak bones that are prone to breaking easily. It is often a serious health issue, especially for the elderly.
Read on to know who should get their bone health screened through a BMD test. It can help you make a wise decision and protect your bones from fractures.
| 👉What is Osteoporosis? A silent disease that weakens bones by making them porous and brittle. Weak bones are prone to sudden fractures. Fractures usually occur in the hips, spine, and wrists. |
What is Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Testing?
Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is done to check the mineral content in your bones. The test used for this purpose is DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). To make it easier to understand, DEXA is like a camera that gives the photo (or result) in the form of BMD.
The report is a score that shows your bone density in comparison with that of a healthy young adult. A lower score indicates poorer bone health. The test helps doctors detect conditions linked with lower bone density – osteopenia and osteoporosis.
| 👉What is a DEXA scan? A Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan is the most reliable test for checking bone mineral density. It is a simple, fast, and painless test that uses X-ray beams. The report comes as a T-score. |
Who Should Get a Bone Mineral Density Test?
Sportspersons
Athletes consistently bear high physical pressure, especially in sports like gymnastics and long-distance running. This may lead to low bone density over time. While players may have a good bone mass during their prime days, continued physical stress over the years can affect bone density. If you have been an ardent athlete, it would be advisable to get your DEXA test done.
| 👉What do DEXA results (T-score) indicate? -1.0 or above: Normal bone density Between -1.0 & -2.5: Below normal bone density & osteopenia (Precursor to osteoporosis)-2.5 or below: Osteoporosis |
Postmenopausal Women
After menopause, women experience a significant dip in oestrogen hormone levels. Oestrogen is important for maintaining bone density. Low levels of this hormone speed up bone loss, putting menopausal women at a higher risk of osteoporosis. If you are a woman aged 65 or above, you should get a BMD test done.
Other women who may also require this test include those with osteoporosis risk factors:
- Low body weight or BMI
- Menopause before 45
- Previous falls or fractures
- Parental history of hip fracture
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Lack of physical activity
Early testing allows for timely diagnosis, followed by treatment of osteoporosis so that you stay safe from fractures.
| 👉Why is osteoporosis known as – the Silent Bone Thief? It is because osteoporosis does not cause clear symptoms. Most people do not realise they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture! |
Men Aged 70+
Elderly men are also prone to osteoporosis. For this reason, a BMD test is advised. Men in the age bracket of 50-69 should also get themselves checked if they have risk factors like:
- Low levels of testosterone
- Underlying health conditions like diabetes or Rheumatoid arthritis
- Own history of falls or fractures
- Family history of weak bones and fractures
- Medicines that influence bone strength
| 👉Why be aware of osteoporosis?Almost 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men aged above 50 have osteoporosis! (via CDC) |
Those with a Family History of Weak Bones
If you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, you may be at an increased risk of the condition. Such individuals should undergo a BMD test, especially if they have another risk factor, too.
People with Medical Conditions That Impact Bone Health
Some diseases reduce bone strength and cause bone loss. These include:
- Celiac disease (does not allow bones to absorb essential nutrients)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (may cause bone thinning)
- Hyperthyroidism (may result in bone loss)
- Chronic kidney disease (may disturb calcium-phosphate balance)
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Have any of the above conditions? Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
| 👉BMD test for those who lose height?A loss of 1.6 inches (4 cm) or more in height may indicate compression fractures in the spine, often due to osteoporosis, making a BMD test necessary. |
Individuals with Low-Trauma Fractures
Suffered a fracture from a low-height fall? These fractures may point to poor bone density and necessitate a BMD test to avoid such fractures in the future.
People with Poor Diet or Low Body Weight
Those whose diet lacks calcium and vitamin D may be prone to osteoporosis. This includes people with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and those who underwent bariatric surgery for weight loss. The problem compounds in people with low body weight and a small body frame. Such individuals should get a BMD test.
| 👉Why is a bone density test advised for organ transplant patients? Those who undergo an organ transplant or bone marrow transplant (BMT) may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis because of anti-rejection drugs. These medications disrupt the process of bone-rebuilding. |
Take Charge of Your Bone Health with Sohana Hospital
Bone health is critical to overall well-being and a good quality of life. A bone density test is the single best way that allows you to monitor your bone strength, understand your risk of osteoporosis, and take precautionary measures.
If you answer in the affirmative for any of the risk factors mentioned in the blog, you should talk to your doctor regarding a DEXA scan. Timely detection paves the way for the required treatment to revive bone strength and safeguard yourself from fractures.
At Sohana Hospital, the best radiologists in Chandigarh conduct precise BMD testing to help patients understand their bone health.
FAQs – Bone Density Test
How often do you get a bone density test?
If your first report is normal and you do not have any risk factors, another one may not be needed for 10-15 years. Those diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis may need to be tested every 1-2 years to monitor changes or effectiveness of treatment. The interval depends on age, initial results, and individual risk factors.
Is the DEXA scan safe?
Yes, the DEXA scan is very safe. It uses a very low-intensity X-ray.
Is there any other test for checking bone density?
DEXA is the standard test known for accuracy, but sometimes, simpler ultrasound-based screening tests are available at some laboratories. However, these may not be very accurate.
How to keep bones healthy?
Get sufficient calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing exercises, quit smoking, and limit alcohol. These steps can promote bone health.