11/06/2025
DEXA SCAN
Diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia:
DEXA scans measure bone density and can help determine if a person has low bone mass (osteopenia) or osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones.
Monitoring treatment effectiveness:
DEXA scans can be used to track the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments by measuring changes in bone density over time.
Predicting fracture risk:
DEXA scan results can help predict the risk of future fractures, particularly in individuals with low bone density.
Assessing vertebral fractures:
DEXA scans can also be used to assess for vertebral fractures, which can be a sign of osteoporosis.
Assessing body composition:
In some cases, DEXA scans can also measure body fat and lean muscle mass.
PATIENTS SUITABLE FOR DEXA SCAN
Women 65 years and older:
The National Osteoporosis Foundation, CDC recommends that women 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis, and DEXA scans are a common method for this.
Men 70 years and older:
Similarly, men 70 and older are also recommended to be screened for osteoporosis
Individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis:
This includes people with a family history of osteoporosis, those with a history of fractures after age 50, those with certain medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or chronic kidney disease), or those taking certain medications (like corticosteroids).
Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors:
DEXA scans may be recommended for postmenopausal women under 65 who have additional risk factors for osteoporosis.
Men 50-69 with risk factors:
Men in this age group who have risk factors for osteoporosis may also be recommended for DEXA scans.
Individuals with a recent fracture after age 50:
If someone has a fracture after age 50, a DEXA scan may be recommended to assess their bone density and determine if they have osteoporosis.
Individuals considering or receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy:
Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken bones, so individuals taking these medications may be screened with DEXA scans.
Individuals with hypogonadism or surgically or chemically induced castration:
These conditions can affect bone density, so DEXA scans is recommend
