Are your bones strong? Let's learn about the DXA Scan test!

As you age, your body strength decreases, and do you also feel that you need to be a little more careful when walking? Sometimes, even a small fall can lead to a broken arm or leg. The main reason for this is weak bones. So today we are talking about a method that can accurately determine the strength, or density, of your bones. That is called a DXA scan.

Simply put, what is a DXA scan?

A DXA scan is a special X-ray test that measures the strength of your bones. To be precise, it looks at the mineral density of your bones . DXA stands for `(dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry)`. However, when we talk about it, we simply call it a "DXA scan" or a "bone density test." Both names refer to the same test.

What does this test find?

A doctor asks you to take this test to find out a few key things.

• Identify if you have osteoporosis: This is what we simply call "bone loss." In this condition, the bones are very weak and can break easily.
• Identify the condition Osteopenia: This means that your bone density is lower than normal, but not as severe as osteoporosis. However, it increases your risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Check your fracture risk: Based on the strength of your bones, your doctor can get an idea of ​​how likely you are to break a bone even with a minor fall.

In addition, this test is also used to monitor changes in your bones over time. For example, after starting treatment for osteoporosis, this scan is done periodically to see if the medication is strengthening your bones.

Who needs a DXA scan?

Anyone can get this test, but some people are at higher risk of developing weak bones than others. Therefore, these people should always take care of their bone health.

People at higher risk:

• Women over 65 years of age.
• Men over 70 years old.
• Someone who broke a bone after a minor fall after the age of 50.
• If anyone in the family (mother, father, grandmother, aunt) has osteoporosis.
• If you are now an inch and a half or more shorter than you were when you were younger.

Even if you are younger than these age limits, your doctor may recommend this test for those who are at risk of bone weakness due to other reasons.

Other risk factors

Some diseases and medications can also reduce bone strength.

• Some autoimmune diseases.
• Smoking or using other tobacco products.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Long-term use of medications such as corticosteroids .
• Some anticancer drugs.
• Continued use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which we take for gastritis.
• Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as heparin .

If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is very important to talk to your doctor and ask if you need to have a DXA scan.

How to do this test? It's very simple!

This is a very simple, painless test. You don't need to stay in the hospital. There are no needles or injections.

• First, you will be made to lie down on a bed with a special X-ray machine.
• A radiologic technologist will show you how to position yourself properly. They may place something like foam cushions under your legs to help you stay in the correct position.
• Then, an arm-like part of the scanning machine moves back and forth over your body. This is when pictures of the bones are taken.
• Most often, your hips and spine are scanned because these are the areas that are most affected by bone loss. Sometimes, the bones in your hands may also be scanned.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes .

What should you do and not do before the test?

This doesn't require much preparation.

• You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Unless your doctor specifically tells you not to, take your daily medications as usual.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It's best to wear clothing without metal parts like zippers, buttons, or buckles, as you will need to remove everything with metal before the test.
• Most importantly: If you are taking calcium pills or other vitamins, you should stop taking them 24 hours before the test . Tell your doctor about this in advance.

What do the results say? Let's see!

The report you get after the scan will tell you about your bone density. Doctors use a number called a "T score" to measure this. Simply put, this T score compares the density of your bones to the density of a healthy young person (between the ages of 20 and 30).

This is very easy to understand. Let's look at the table below.

Don't worry if your T-score is low. Your doctor will give you advice on how to strengthen your bones.

• Exercise: Things like walking, yoga, and weight-lifting exercises strengthen bones.
• Food and supplements: They tell you to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. They may also recommend taking calcium and vitamin D pills.
• Medications: There are special medications that can slow down bone loss and prevent fractures. Your doctor will prescribe them if necessary.

What is the difference between a DXA scan and a 'Whole-Body Bone Scan'?

Although both are types of scans that examine bones, their purposes are completely different.

• DXA scan: This only looks at the density of the bones . This is used to detect conditions like osteoporosis.
• Whole-Body Bone Scan: This is often done for cancer patients. It is used to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to the bones. It is also used to detect infections in the bones.

So don't confuse these two tests.

DXA scan Sinhala, bone density test Sinhala, osteoporosis Sinhala, bone strength, bone density, osteoporosis, T score