How do they test for low bone density?

Question

I'm 29 years old and an X-ray showed low bone density in my leg. Theyare sending me for further tests, but I'm wondereing what is involved?

Answer 1

There are a couple of different bone scanners.

The tables use XRay technology - DEXA scanners.

There is also a portable variety that uses ultrasound instead of radiation.

When the study/scan is administered, your age/race/height/weight/etc will be taken into account and your bone mass will be compared to the general population.

Then, over time, you may or may not have follow up studies to see if you are actually losing bone mass.

Answer 2

I doubt they'd use a bone scan to diagnose this. They will probably send you for a dexa scan. google it to find out more.



What is DEXA Scanning?
Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry, or DEXA scanning, is currently the most widely used method to measure bone mineral density. For the test, a patient lies down on an examining table, and the scanner rapidly directs x-ray energy from two different sources towards the bone being examined in an alternating fashion at a set frequency. The mineral density of the patient's bone weakens, or prolongs the transmission of these two sources of x-ray energy through a filter onto a counter in a degree related to the amount of bone mass present. The greater the bone mineral density, the greater the signal picked up by the photon counter. The use of the two different x-ray energy sources rather than more traditional radioisotope studies (such that would be used for a bone scan) greatly improves the precision and accuracy of the measurements.

DEXA scanning has become the most widely used method for measuring bone mineral density for several reasons. When compared with radiographic absortiometry or single energy x-ray absortiometry, DEXA scanning more precisely documents small changes in bone mass and is also more flexible since it can be used to examine both the spine and the extremities. A scan of the spine, hip or the total body requires only one, two or four minutes respectively. Qualitative computed tomography (QCT) is the only technique that can directly measure bone density and volume but can distinguish trabecular from cortical bone. DEXA scanning is less expensive, exposes the patient to less radiation and is more sensitive and accurate at measuring subtle changes in bone density over time or in response to drug therapy than is QCT.

Answer 3

it in basic terms ability you're nonetheless interior the traditional variety, yet are stepping into direction of being low. to develop bone density, make confident you get adequate calcium and do a touch proper resistance preparation. Resistance preparation has been shown to operate bone density to females.

Answer 4

Bone scan will show show almost anything going on with your bones. It is a simple test, you can have some reactions to the injection (I did not). There should not be pain really unless you have some inflamtion but even then it is minimal.

Answer 5

nuclear bone scan. They inject you with a dye, then you just lay down on a table, and this thing goes over you from head to toe. No pain involved.

Answer 6

Try these links
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-density-tests/WO00024

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/bone_density_test.jsp