Bone Densitometry (Dexa)

Our Key Services

This system detects osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that is highly prevalent in our country. The bones become weak and hence fracture quite easily. This disease causes great morbidity and resulting disability which takes a heavy toll financially and mentally by reducing the quality of life. Osteoporosis can be prevented if adequate measures are taken early in life. Bone density which has been lost, generally can't be recovered, however, further bone loss can be prevented or considerably slowed. Women are five times more prone to osteoporosis compared to men. Maximum bone loss occurs in the first few years around menopause.

Why Bone Densitometry?

Some Facts About Osteoporosis

• It is an inevitable consequence of ageing that affect both men & women. But women are affected 3 times more than men. Most rapid bone loss occurs around Menopause.
• It is not women's disease only, 1/3rd of men are also affected.
• Osteoporosis is responsible for 15 lac fractures annually, out of which 3 lac are Hip fractures.
• Men are victim of about 1/3rd hip fractures. And, 1/3rd of them do not survive even one year.
• Approximately 37,000 people die every year due to complications related to fracture due to osteoporosis in later life.
• It is very common in India and WHO studies place India at a higher incidence zone. Osteoporosis and osteopenia occur 10-20 years earlier in our country then in other country.
• Build up of Bone mass in younger age prevents osteoporosis in later life.
• Short stature, family history, smoking, alcohol, consumption malnutrition, eating disorders, steroid therapy etc. are contributing factors to osteoporosis.

Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you meet any one of the requirement stated below:

• Individuals with Thyroid, Malabsorption Syndrome, Steroid Therapy for diseases such as for Asthma to assess the loss of bone density.
• Post-menopausal women who are on ostrogen therapy.
• Have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
• You are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less then 125 pounds)
• Use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
• Have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
• Have a parathyroid condition, such as Hyperparathyroidism.
• Have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
• Have had X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
• Prolonged Immobilization
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Weight loss etc.