Bone Density Scan
Assess and manage your bone health
Testing for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease
Strong bones are essential to an active and healthy lifestyle. As we age, our bones lose density. This condition is called osteoporosis. Certain metabolic conditions can also weaken bones.
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we use musculoskeletal diagnostic tests like bone density testing to assess your bone health and strength and your risk for fracture.
Conditions We Treat
Bone density tests let us diagnose and treat conditions that affect bone health, such as:
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy.
- Hyperparathyroidism.
- Male osteoporosis.
- Osteopenia caused by certain medicines or excess thyroid hormone.
- Paget’s disease.
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Screening Recommendations
Osteoporosis affects millions of women and men. It is a leading cause of orthopedic concerns like hip and vertebral fracture, loss of height and disability. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress without symptoms.
At BIDMC, we follow osteoporosis prevention screening guidelines from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. We recommend bone density screening for women who are:
- Age 50 to 65 with one or more risk factors.
- Age 65 and over regardless of other risk factors.
Talk to your primary care doctor and ask for a referral for a bone density scan.
DEXA Scans
Our radiology services team uses dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans to measure the mineral content of your bones. This test is also called bone densitometry.
We provide advanced, specialized care in a comfortable setting at the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center. Our certified bone density technicians are experts in bone mass measurement and other skeletal health assessment technologies. Bone density scans can easily and safely diagnose osteopenia, osteoporosis and other conditions that weaken bones and make them more likely to break.
More About Bone Density Scan
Please ask for a referral and then call us if you would like to schedule an appointment. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please give us three days’ notice.
Before your DEXA imaging scan, be sure to:
- Check to make sure your referring doctor submitted an order for your scan.
- Contact your health insurance company to find out about your coverage.
- Let us know right away if you’ve had any oral or IV contrast (barium swallow, dye or nuclear medicine tests) within two weeks of your scheduled scan.
Follow these tips for a successful DEXA scan:
- Plan to arrive at our office 15 minutes early. This allows time to complete any paperwork.
- Do not take any calcium supplements on the day of your appointment.
- Do not wear jewelry or clothing with metal accessories.
A bone density scan uses two types of X-rays:
- One type is absorbed by your tissue.
- One type is absorbed by your bones.
The difference in absorption levels indicates your bone mineral density.
During the test, you lie on your back on an X-ray table. We usually target your hip and spine. If we are unable to properly scan one of those areas, we will scan your forearm.
After your test, your doctor or technician may also discuss additional ways you can assess and improve your bone strength, such as:
- Biochemical diagnostic tests, to check for bone turnover markers.
- Nutritional counseling.
- Physical therapy counseling.
Before you leave, we give you informative materials to take with you. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your test results as soon as they are available.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Orthopaedics
The Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedics provides advanced orthopedic care, medical education and innovative research.
Research
Our researchers work to push the bounds of the study and understanding of orthopedic care, to provide the best care for our patients.
Education
Our team is committed to training the next generation of orthopedic specialists through fellowship, residency and internship programs.
