DEXA - Bone Density Testing

“Will you glide into your golden years or shuffle along painfully due to thinning bones and fractures?” This is a quote from the Osteoporosis Health Center. DEXA or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry is a simple, quick noninvasive procedure, which has become the standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).  DEXA is used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that affects both men and women. It is a very accurate estimator of your fracture risk by measuring how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.

Osteoporosis involves the gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break. This information enables your provider to determine the best course of action from starting medication to maintain or build bone, to monitoring calcium and vitamin D intake in your diet.