DEXA/Bone Density Screening in Shelbyville

Helping Women Plan for Bone Health

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a method of measuring bone density that uses two x-ray beams to gain a complete picture of bone composition in a given area. Using two different images of the same area, this technology is able to subtract the soft tissue within the bone and give a measurement of minerals to determine its total strength and density. The imaging center at Major Health Partners in Shelbyville can use this non-invasive scanning procedure to check for osteoporosis and potential for fracture risk in the spine and hips.

Who Should Have a Bone Density Screening?

These scans are generally recommended for postmenopausal women as well as anyone over the age of 65. It is during these later years that risks for bone fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoporosis can begin to increase. As bones can also be weakened by smoking, excessive drinking habits, corticosteroid drugs, and a deficiency in vitamin D, your doctor may suggest that a patient undergoes a bone density scan if they meet any of those criteria.

What Happens During a Bone Density Scan?

This procedure is painless and non-invasive. Patients will not need to take any special supplements or change your eating habits, though it is important to not wear clothing that contains any metal, including buttons, zippers, and buckles. The scanner is situated about a foot above the body, where it glides across to gain a complete picture of the patient’s bone structure. Once the test is complete, the results—called a T-score—are compared against a database of other young adult women with healthy bone density.

Find out why our hospital is ranked among Thompson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals in America.

• Schedule an appointment with our women’s imaging center.
• Call us 317.421.5678