DEXA BONE DENSITY SCAN

DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorption.

DEXA or Bone Density scans are important for measuring the quality (or density) of your bones. As you get older the bones can become more brittle (for various reasons)

If there is any indication that you may have osteoporosis, a DEXA scan should be performed. Such inidications include sustaining a fracture after relatively minor trauma.

You should also consider having a DEXA scan if you are at risk for developing osteoporosis, as this puts you at increased risk of sustaining a fracture. Risk factors include those with a family history of osteoporosis, people who consume large amounts of alcohol or are on certain medications such as steroids and women who have an early menopause.

It is a simple scan which takes approximately 20 minutes, with no need to undress.

You will be asked to lie on a couch and the scanner moves over your lower back and hip. If you have a hip replacement, we will scan your forearm instead of your hip.

You can refer yourself or be referred by your GP, consultant, dentist, chiropractor or physiotherapist.