Bone density exam (DXA)
Millions of Americans have osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and more likely to break. Bone density and the risk for osteoporosis in the hips, spine and other bones can be measured using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine.
With the results of a DXA exam, physicians can make recommendations that will help patients strengthen weak bones and prevent or slow down osteoporosis. Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent further bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
What you should know about bone density exams
- A DXA exam is painless, noninvasive and usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- The following groups of people should have bone density exams:
- Women over age 65
- Men over age 70
- Anyone who has broken a bone over age 50
- Women with risk factors for osteoporosis who are of menopausal age or who are postmenopausal but under 65
- Men age 50-69 with risk factors for osteoporosis
- Bone density exams are also recommended for people with breaks or bone loss in their spines, height loss of more than a half-inch within one year, or total height loss of 1.5 inches or more from original height.
Treatments with a DXA
Our physicians use bone density (DXA) exams for:
- Bone density screening
- Diagnosing osteoporosis and tracking its progression
Specialties and institutes
Connect with other specialties at Geisinger to learn more about these treatments.
Content from General Links with modal content