A bone scan is a type of imaging test which helps to examine any irregularities in the bone. Sometimes, these bone irregularities may indicate either infection or cancer disease. A DEXA scan specifically examines bone density to determine the chances of the development of osteoporosis.

Bone Scan

Healthcare specialists use a bone scan, also known as bone scintigraphy, to look at bone images and interpret their pathological conditions.

This imaging technique is mainly used to evaluate the possible risk of infection or severe diseases such as cancer present in the bone tissue. In addition, Radiology Center at Harding can also help to detect arthritis and bone fractures using this imaging test.

Procedure for a bone scan

A bone scan involves the injection of a little amount of radiation into the body. The person needs to wait for a few hours and after which they will undergo the scanning process. The device designed to trace the radioactive material help to show the abnormalities indicating a bone problem. If the score is below -1 and not -2.5 shows osteopenia. If the score is -2.5 or worse, the tracer indicates osteoporosis.

Benefits of bone scan

A bone scan helps to detect even the tiny irregularities in the human bone that might not be visible in a typical x-ray. Consequently, it is more likely to detect bone defects caused by infection or cancer than a regular x-ray.

DEXA Scan

DEXA Scan is a low-dose test which is specifically used to measure the calcium and minerals in the bones. This measurement provides information on the strength and thickness of the bone. Since it shows the bone density of the person, a DEXA scan is also called a bone density scan.

It is quite common for people to get thinner bones as they grow older. If the bones become thinner than the normal range, it causes osteopenia. Furthermore, osteopenia puts the person at more risk of a serious bone condition known as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that makes the bones thinner and brittle. It is a common condition that affects older people, especially women above 65 years old. Osteoporosis also increases the risk of fractures in wrists, spine and hips.

When to do a DEXA Scan?

A person should undergo a DEXA scan if he or she is dealing with the following:

• have a lower body weight
• have lost over a half inch of height within a year
• have gone through one or more bone fractures after 50 years of age
• have a family history of osteoporosis
• a person above 70 years of age

Bone density scan or the DEXA Scan is usually performed to diagnose:

• bone density
• whether the bone mass is low, known as osteopenia
• osteoporosis
• future risk of fracture
• check if the osteoporosis treatment is effective

If you notice any problems mentioned above, get your DEXA scan done at Radiology Center at Harding, Morristown, New Jersey. With an accurate report, you can only undergo the proper treatment.

The procedure of the DEXA scan

The healthcare professionals ask the person to lie on a padded table on their back with straight legs. A scanner will move on the lower spine and hips, and another scanner, called the photon generator, will move beneath the person. Then the images from both machines will be combined together, and the radiologist will evaluate the reports on the screen.