What is a Bone Densitometry Scan?
Bone densitometry uses a very small amount of X-rays to diagnose Osteoporosis (bone loss). Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, leading to bone fragility. It causes fractures in the spine, wrist, and hip. Weakening in bones sometimes depends on aging and sometimes on other risk factors. Osteoporosis is generally referred to as the “silent disease.” This is because bone loss does not show any symptoms until a significant amount of bone mass is lost. The most obvious symptoms include loss of height, a slight hunchback, and back pain. With bone densitometry screening, bone tissue loss can be detected at an early age. In this way, doctors can slow down or even stop bone loss with the correct medications before most of the bone tissue is lost. Images of the lower spine and hip are the most commonly used images in bone loss screening. After the screening test is performed, our Radiologist carefully examines the films.
Who needs a bone densitometry scan?
Bone loss affects both men and women. However, nearly 80 percent of those with this disease are women. Almost 5 million Turkish women are affected by bone loss. The reason women get osteoporosis more than men is generally that women have a weaker bone structure. After the age of 25, everyone, men and women alike, should have a bone density scan at least once to learn about their bone structure. Additionally, women entering menopause begin to secrete less estrogen; therefore, the decrease in estrogen, which is protective against bone loss, accelerates bone loss. Within 5-7 years after menopause, women lose nearly 20 percent of their bone mass. If you are approaching menopause, your doctor can give you advice on what you can do against osteoporosis. Definitely come to our Center after menopause and have your Bone Densitometry done; because your bone mass needs to be checked from time to time. If you do not know whether you have osteoporosis, you need to have a bone densitometry test. It is recommended that bone loss screening tests be done together with mammography. Thus, you will not need to come to our center twice for different tests.
- Factors that may increase the risk of osteoporosis:
- Being female
- Living in the Far East and Caucasus (Asian or Caucasian descent)
- Advanced age
- Having a bone fracture
- Small and thin body structure
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Post-menopause, early menopause, and surgically induced menopause
- Low calcium consumption
- Lack of sports/exercise
- Eating disorders
- Abnormal menstrual cycle disorders
- Certain medications (such as steroids and anticonvulsants)
- Alcohol and cigarette use
How should I prepare?
You should not take any pills containing calcium on the morning of your bone densitometry screening. Wear clothes without metal zippers or buttons. If you come with clothes containing metal, you will be asked to wear a gown. All kinds of jewelry, glasses, and metal objects and clothes are prohibited during the screening test as they may affect the X-ray. If you have recently undergone barium treatment or screening (such as an upper GI scan, barium enema, or computed tomography), you should wait at least 14 days before having a bone density scan. Clearing the barium residue remaining in your body is necessary for the accurate result of the bone measurement. Please inform us if there is a possibility of pregnancy before the screening.
What should I expect?
You will need to lie on your back on a padded table. While the moving mechanical arm of the device passes over your body, images will be taken, and measurements will be made. The technician will be in the room with you. You will not feel anything negative during this scan, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
What do the test results mean? In this scan, your screening results are compared with the results of a young adult’s strongest bone structure and the bone structure results that should be for your age. The difference between your results and the young adult’s results is called the T-score. This information, along with other information, plays an important role in our Radiologist’s evaluation of the results. T-score results also indicate the extent of bone loss:
Normal: T-score is above -1.
Osteopenic (susceptibility to bone loss): T-score is between -1 and -2.5.
Osteoporosis: T-score is below -2.5.
The Z-score shows your status when compared with the group appropriate for your age. It is not used for disease diagnosis. You simply determine your status. Together with other factors, your screening results allow your Doctor to calculate the risk of bone fracture. Knowing the fracture risk is very important for preventing osteoporosis and fractures. Your Doctor, examining your bone densitometry scan, will make some recommendations such as doing sports, correcting eating habits, hormone therapy, or prescribing some medicines that increase bone strength to strengthen your bones.
When will I receive the results? Information regarding when you will receive your results will be given to you at our center. Under normal conditions, you can receive your results within 15 minutes.
Bone Densitometry; Lumbar Vertebra Lateral
Bone Densitometry; What is the lumbar vertebra lateral examination? There are several measurement methods during bone densitometry. The patient is laid on their side. The bone density of the lumbar vertebrae is determined. If there is a decrease in bone density, Osteoporosis (bone loss) is diagnosed.
Bone Densitometry; Lumbar Vertebra AP
Bone Densitometry; What is the lumbar vertebra AP examination? There are several measurement methods during bone densitometry. The patient is laid on their back. The bone density of the lumbar vertebrae is determined. If there is a decrease in bone density, Osteoporosis (bone loss) is diagnosed.
Bone Densitometry; Hip
Bone Densitometry; What is the hip examination? There are several measurement methods during bone densitometry. The patient is laid on their back. The bone density of the head and neck part of the thigh bone (femur) in the left hip joint is determined. The left side is the side we put less weight on while standing, so bone density may decrease faster. Therefore, we measure the side where we expect a decrease. If there is a decrease in bone density, Osteoporosis (bone loss) is diagnosed.
Bone Densitometry; Wrist
Bone Densitometry: What is the wrist examination? There are several measurement methods during bone densitometry. The patient is laid on their back. Bone density measurement is performed from the left wrist. If there is a decrease in bone density, Osteoporosis (bone loss) is diagnosed.
Bone Densitometry; Whole Body
Bone Densitometry; What is the whole body examination? There are several measurement methods during bone densitometry. The patient is laid on their back. The entire body is included in the examination. Thus, the bone density measurement covers the whole body. Additionally, the amount of bone, muscle, and fat tissue in the body is determined separately and extremely accurately. It provides a very valuable evaluation for people who do sports and those who want to lose weight.