DEXA exams provide critical information about bone loss
JoAnn spends every weekend possible hiking. She’s trekked the Grand Canyon five times and has explored hiking trails throughout Arizona. That’s why she was surprised when a bone density scan revealed she had osteoporosis, a condition that causes bone loss and can lead to fractures.
“I was running, hiking, walking, and eating high-calcium foods and I still had bone loss,” she said.
JoAnn is among 54 million Americans who have osteoporosis or low bone mass, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). To help Yavapai County residents, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) offers dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This simple, painless exam measures bone density and is available in two locations:
- The Baskin Breast Care Center at Dignity Health YRMC East, Prescott Valley
- Dignity Health Imaging Center, Prescott
“DEXA provides information so a woman and her physician can take steps to prevent fractures,” said Mary Sterling, Director, Imaging Services at YRMC. “It’s similar to a mammogram in that the radiation dose is very minimal and the information is extremely important.”
During a DEXA exam, the patient lies flat on a comfortable, padded table. An x-ray generator is located below the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is positioned above. The detector passes over the patient, generating images on a computer monitor. The exam lasts only a few minutes. A YRMC radiologist interprets the exam and then shares the results with the patient’s doctor.
“It’s a good idea to schedule your mammogram and DEXA on the same day,” said Sterling. “It’s convenient and ensures you’re undergoing both of these important exams.”
While it’s most often associated with women, men also should be aware of the dangers of bone loss and osteoporosis. In fact, according to NOF, a man aged 50 or older is more likely to suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.
What puts people at risk for osteoporosis?
Uncontrollable risk factors include:
- Being female and older than 50
- Menopause, particularly early-onset menopause
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Being small and thin
- Broken bones or height loss
Controllable risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Lack of calcium and vitamin D
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables and consuming too much protein, sodium, and caffeine
- Lack of exercise and activity
- Tobacco use and drinking too much alcohol
- Weight loss
To schedule a DEXA, contact your physician to ask for a referral to the Baskin Breast Care Center at YRMC or the Dignity Health Imaging Center, Prescott.
For more information, visit dignityhealth.org/yrmc.