If you’ve been referred for a DEXA scan, or your doctor has suggested you might need one, you may not be entirely sure what it involves or why it’s been recommended. It’s a straightforward, painless procedure – and understanding what it does can help make sense of the results and what comes next.
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Nirav Shah uses DEXA scanning as part of his assessment and management of patients with osteoporosis, particularly those who have suffered a fracture or are considered at risk of one.
What is a DEXA scan?
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It’s a type of low-dose X-ray that measures bone mineral density – in other words, how strong and dense your bones are. The results help identify whether bones have become thinner or weaker than they should be, which can indicate osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia.
The scan is quick, non-invasive and involves no preparation. You remain fully clothed and lie on a flat table while the scanner passes over your body. The whole process usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes.
What does a DEXA scan measure?
The scan typically focuses on the hip and spine – the two areas most commonly affected by osteoporosis and most vulnerable to fracture. The results are expressed as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult.
- A T-score of -1 or above is considered normal
- Between -1 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia – lower than normal bone density that may require monitoring and lifestyle changes
- Below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis
These figures help Mr Shah and your GP assess your risk of future fractures and decide on the most appropriate course of action.
Who might need a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is not routinely recommended for everyone. It tends to be suggested for patients who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis, including:
- Post-menopausal women, particularly those who experienced an early menopause
- Men and women over 50 who have suffered a low-impact fracture – one caused by a minor fall or accident that wouldn’t normally be expected to break a bone
- Those with a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
- Patients who have taken long-term corticosteroid medication
- Those with conditions associated with bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- People who smoke heavily or drink alcohol excessively
- Those who have lost height or developed a noticeable curve in the spine
If you have suffered a fracture and there is any suspicion that your bones may be weaker than expected, a DEXA scan is a sensible next step to understand the full picture.
What happens after a DEXA scan?
The results of the scan are reviewed alongside other factors – your age, medical history, lifestyle and any previous fractures – to build a complete picture of your bone health and fracture risk.
If osteoporosis or osteopenia is identified, Mr Shah will work with you and your GP to put together a management plan. This may include lifestyle changes such as increasing weight-bearing exercise, reviewing calcium and vitamin D intake, stopping smoking or reducing alcohol. In some cases, medication to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of further fracture may be recommended. Where specialist input would help, Mr Shah may also refer you to a rheumatologist.
For patients who have already suffered a fracture as a result of osteoporosis, treatment will also address the fracture itself, alongside measures to reduce the risk of it happening again.
Why early assessment matters
Osteoporosis is often called a silent condition – many people have no idea their bones have weakened until a fracture occurs. The hips are particularly vulnerable, and a hip fracture can have a significant impact on mobility, independence and quality of life.
Identifying osteoporosis before a serious fracture happens – and taking steps to manage it – can make a real difference to long-term outcomes. A DEXA scan is a simple, low-risk way to start that process.
Is a DEXA scan right for you?
If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, or you’ve recently suffered a fracture that seems disproportionate to the cause, it’s worth discussing a DEXA scan with your GP or a specialist. Mr Shah is experienced in assessing and managing osteoporosis in patients across Sussex and would be happy to advise.
