Bone Densitometry
One in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. For women, the incidence is greater than that of heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined. In fact, approximately 30% of all postmenopausal women have osteoporosis in the United States.
Bone densitometry, or DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), measures the strength of your bones to determine whether you are at risk for developing osteoporosis or osteopenia (decreased bone mass). Since osteopenia often develops into osteoporosis, it is important to diagnose early.
Doctors use this diagnostic imaging test to develop an appropriate treatment plan to slow the progression of the disease and prevent fractures. Early detection can allow doctors to begin therapy when it can be most beneficial.
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker. You may not even know you have osteoporosis until after you break a bone.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for osteoporosis in women aged 65 years and older and in younger women whose fracture risk is equal to or greater than that of a 65-year-old white woman who has no additional risk factors.