Reasons for Undertaking Bone Densitometry

The term DEXA is a shortened form of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It refers to the process of determining the number of minerals in the patient’s bones. DEXA is undertaken to establish the bones are strong enough. Usually, DEXA is recommended for women aged above 65 years. It is also recommended for men who are above 70 years old. The test is generally conducted on people who are more vulnerable to suffer from bone fractures. The results from the test are used to determine how to care for the patients. Learn the most important lesson about c-arm. Younger men and women can also undertake the test once they have been involved in an accident that probably broke their bones. People that have rheumatoid arthritis are also advised to partake in the test. DEXA test is also recommended for people who smoke and drink heavily. You should also undertake the test if your body weight is too low. Also, you should consider undertaking the DEXA test if you have been taking corticosteroid drugs for not less than three months. DEXA is also recommended for people that are not above 65 years old but have recorded osteoporosis disorders. After taking the test for the first time, you should ensure that take another test after some time for follow-up. There are several reasons why people undertake the DEXA test. All of your question about what is dexa will be answered when you follow the link.


The first reason is to establish the amount of body fat in a patient. During the test, the percentage of visceral fat stored in various body organs is determined. The results help the medical practitioner decide the type of treatment to put them through.


The other reason for undertaking the DEXA test is to examine how strong the patients’ bones are. The tests help in determining whether the bones are at risk of fractures. The results help the doctor to decide the treatment to give the patient. If the bones are weak, the patients are put under medication that will help strengthen them. Seek more info about dexa scans at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-energy_X-ray_absorptiometry. 


The final reason for undertaking the DEXA test is to perform the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that leads in weakening of bones. When the bones become weak, they become fragile hence easy to break. It is essential to find out if a person has osteoporosis while it is in its initial stages. Diagnosing it before it becomes stronger can help the patient achieve the mineral density in their bones back through medication. DEXA also helps determine whether osteoporosis is improving or becoming worse. The results then help change the medication prescribed on the patient if it is not working as expected. The medics can also reduce or increase the dosage, depending on whether the results are positive or negative.