It is calcium that bones are made of. Calcium is removed from the blood as the bone is being made, and it is used to make the bone cells. Dietary calcium, in the majority of people, is used to make bone cells, and the amount of calcium present in the bone can be measured by a bone density scan. It is a special sort of X-ray that the process uses which is called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry that measures the amount of bone loss which has occurred, as well as the thickness of the bone.
Just How Does This Work?
An opaque mineral is what calcium is. Because of the bone’s high calcium content, on x-rays, it is readily visible. To diagnose bone thickness, doctors commonly use x-rays which are a noninvasive medical procedure. Physicians can detect and treat any problems in bones because the opacity of bones makes them just so visible on x-rays. The way the process works is that a small amount of ionizing radiation is exposed to the body, and it then passes through the body, and on the other side of the body exposes a photographic film plate. Then, to image bone to check it’s density, a specialized form of x-rays are used, and this is what comprises the DXA imaging test. The result of all this is that to evaluate bone mineral density(BMD), the standard test is now considered to be dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry(DXA), dexa scan, or bone densitometry. It is on the hips and lower spine that the procedure is typically performed, because this is where bone density is most commonly affected. Scanning is performed on the entire body on a few patients in order to check for any issues of bone density. Very often, in order to provide a more detailed picture of low bone mass, the main device may be joined with other accessory devices that will use ultrasound technology or x-ray technology to get the job done. There are special circumstances when computer software such as quantitative computed tomography may be combined with bone density scanning to observe and identify low bone mass. Since the DXA scanning process is so accurate, this process, though accurate, is not commonly employed. A special test such as the Lateral Vertebral Assessment(LVA) can also be done for some patients if necessary.
Bone Scanning, And What Are The Most Common Uses For It?
- To diagnose osteoporosis, the preferred test used is DXA.
- Progress of treatments done to treat osteoporosis can be assessed using DXA, as well as other bone loss conditions.
- By checking the density of the bone, a patient’s risk for bone fractures can also be judged by the DXA test.
- Bone Scanning, And Just Who Does Need It?
- Patients who experience frequent fractures.
- Patients dealing with those conditions causing high bone cell turnover rates.
- Patients suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Patients using medications such as thyroid meds, Dilantin, or prednisone.
- Male patients suffering from conditions of bone loss.
- Post-menopausal women weighing under 125 pounds that are tall.
- Patients with a personal or family history of smoking or hip fractures.
- Post-menopausal women not using estrogen-replacement therapy.
How To Get Ready For The Test?
The test is quite painless and simple. An appointment for your test will be given to you. Getting ready for the test, dress in clothing which is comfortable and loose. Avoid all metallic accessories like hooks, buttons and zips. And to prevent contaminating the x-ray images, remove all metallic objects and jewelry. Please inform the doctor if you have recently done any special tests such as a CT scan, or a barium. And pregnant women, unless it is absolutely necessary, should avoid the test.
The Equipment, And Just What Does It Look Like?
Used for bone scanning are two specific sorts of DXA equipment presently.
To measure the density of bone in spine and hip bones, Central DXA devices are calibrated. Because they are so large, it is to large clinical hospitals that this device is attached.
To measure bone density in the heel bones, wrist or finger, peripheral devices are employed. These can be found in mobile vans, small hospitals, and local laboratories, as they are available as portable devices.
Just How Is The Procedure Carried Out?
The generator is located under the padded table that the patient lies on. Specific images in every body region are generated. To ensure an accurate image, you may be asked to stop breathing for a few seconds, and lay still. To ensure an accurate image, the technologist will view the images in the next room. Much simpler, and done in just a few minutes, are peripheral bone density scans Melbourne, Bone Density Scans. And for some patients, to assess the hip and spine for vertebral and hip fractures, an extra procedure known as the Lateral Vertebral Assessment(LVA) may be done. This procedure takes just a few minutes, and it is done on the same machine. Only between 10 and 30 minutes will the entire process take, and a detailed image of the underlying bone will be provided.
During And After The Procedure, What Will I Experience?
Truly, the whole process is incredibly effective and quite simple. Be certain to tell your doctor about all medications you take, and discuss with them any health issues you have. Your doctor is going to tell you just how dense your bone is after they assess the medical report. They will then proceed to lead you into the start of your treatments.
