Arthroscopic Surgery
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Sports Medicine
Spine Surgery
Hand and Upper Extremity
Total Joint Replacement
Dexa Scanning

The Center for Bone and Joint Care began providing dexa scanning services to our patients in 2003.  We started the service because osteoporosis is a major public health concern.  It affects more that 25 million American men and women.  In the United States, in the year 2000 an estimated 5.2 million hip, spine, and forearm fractures occurred among white women age 45 years and older. 

As orthopaedic surgeons, we wanted to work to prevent the large number of fractures by providing a screening service to our patients.  In this fashion, we can try to determine who is most at risk, and provide a medical regimen to prevent fractures.

Dexa Scanning
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is an accurate and widely used technique to measure bone mineral density (BMD).  BMD is a means of determining a person’s propensity for fracture.  DEXA is a safe, accurate, and precise technique to assess the mineral content of the skeleton.  It is a noninvasive procedure.  Compared with other scanning techniques, it has low radiation exposure.

Our technologists have been trained in its use and reports are available quickly for our physicians.  At your return visit the physician will prescribe a medical regimen to help reduce your risk of fracture.

The Procedure
A bone densitometry examination (or DEXA scan) may be the easiest medical examination a patient will have over the course of his or her life.  Basically, all it involves is lying back and letting the machine do all the work.

There is no pain associated with a DEXA scan.  Bone densitometry involves an extremely small dose of radiation.  How small?  An AP spine scan delivers less than one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-ray.  As in any medical procedure, if you are pregnant be sure to inform your physician.

The actual scanning time can range from five to fifteen minutes depending on the particular exam ordered by your physician.  The densitometer will measure your bone mineral density (BMD).  It will also compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background.  This information will be used by your doctor in making a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.

Unlike many other medical examinations, no special preparation is required.  There are no painful injection or bad-tasting oral preparations.  Most clothing is appropriate, but please avoid metal buttons or buckles.  You may be required to change into a gown.