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If you’re looking to improve your health, wellness and longevity, you’re mostly likely ready to embark on a diet and fitness regimen. However, you may be using outdated programs or metrics to track your progress. You may even put yourself at greater risk for fractures of any kind, more specifically the debilitation that comes with a hip fracture.
Now, there is a test that determines hip and spinal bone density with the greatest accuracy. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is the "gold standard" in determining overall body composition and bone density. Information provided by these scans can assist a doctor in determining a patient's bone mass. This, in turn, can create a regimen to prevent osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis, which makes bones more weak and prone to shattering.
Bone densitometry can help identify patients who require therapy at an early stage of low bone density and decline in strength.
A DEXA scan provides critical bone density data
Both healthy young persons and age-matched adults are used to compare your bone mass density (BMD) to the norm (the “Z-score”). Your BMD will be compared to the BMDs of people your age and gender who are in good health. The standard deviation (SD) is the difference between your BMD and that of a healthy individual in your age and gender (the “T-score”) Higher T-scores are more fragile, whereas lower T-scores are stronger.
• Normal bone density is defined as being within one standard deviation (+1 or -1) of a young adult baseline.
• A T-score 1–2.5 standard deviations (SD) below the young adult mean (-1–2.5 SD) suggests low bone mass (osteopenia).
• Osteoporosis is indicated by a T-score 2.5 SD lower than the young adult mean (more than -2.5 SD).
Every standard deviation below the norm increases the risk of bone fracture by two-thirds. Patients with high-risk bone fractures can be treated to lessen the chance of re-fracture. Someone with severe (established) osteoporosis has a history of osteoporosis-related fractures (bone density 2.5 SD below the young adult mean).
Why do I need DEXA scan?
Early treatment aids in the prevention of bone fractures. Broken bones caused by osteoporosis can be disastrous, particularly in maturing adults. Monitoring your individual body bone density trend and early detection and treatment of osteoporosis improves prognosis and lowers the chance of deterioration.
• Confirm an osteoporosis diagnosis if you've previously had a bone fracture
• Predict your future risk of fracturing a bone
Densitometry can help you identify the impact of risk factors for osteoporosis:
• Family history of hip fractures
• Chronic use of steroids or other medicines
• Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, as well as hepatic or renal disease and hyperparathyroidism
• Heavy alcohol use
DEXA establishes a benchmark for bone strengthening therapy
Working with a holistic longevity and health center like Because Health will provide you with not just accurate readings of your average bone mass, but a plan tailored to your individual makeup. Bone scan results interpretation and actionable next steps based on them are just as important as the results themselves. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Partnering with a patient is not the same as a doctor ordering a treatment or prescribing a medication,” says Dr. Lars Boman, Medical Director of Because Health. Dr. Boman is a passionate advocate of communication between doctor and patient. “The United States spends the most on healthcare per capita, but we are among the sickest. How much time is afforded to truly understanding the impact of your health choices?” Dr. Boman questions.
“Someone needs to explain it to them right now. Tests provide diagnostic information, and then a personalized program is developed for them.”
The DEXA scan is merely the first step. The information will be used to develop a range of programs to help you gain optimal health and increase your longevity.
