How Osteoporosis is Diagnosed

A dexa scan is the most accurate way of confirming osteoporsis and of measuring bone density. A doctor may arrange a dexa scan if the patient has-

• a fracture following a minor fall or injury
• a loss of height due to the fracture of a bone in the spine
• used oral steroids for longer than three months
• started the menopause before the age of 45
• a history of periods stopping for more than one year before the menopause
• a family history of hip fracture on the mother's side
• a body mass index of less than 19, ie being very thin.

A dexa (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan utilises low energy x-rays which are sent through the bone being tested. The amount of x-rays that pass through the bone indicates the average density of the bone.

A dexa scan usually concentrates on the vertebrae, hips and wrist as these are the most likely to fracture because of osteoporosis.

The scan is completely painless and takes 10-15 minutes. X-rays are sent from two different sources so as to improve the accuracy of the results.

Ultrasound and computerised tomography (CT) scanning can also give an accurate indication of bone density.

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