Bone Densitometry is a non-invasive
procedure in which a patient’s bone mineral density (BMD) is
measured and then compared against a normal population of people
who are the same age, weight, sex and ethnic background as the
patient. It uses a very low energy x-ray beam to produce a "scan" of the lumbar spine, either hip, and/or either forearm. Your doctor uses the
information gathered from this study to assess your bone condition,
risk of fracture, and to assist in deciding whether treatment
is necessary. If you are already undergoing treatment or therapy
for osteoporosis or osteopoenia, periodic follow up studies
are recommended to assess changes in bone density.
Procedure
The study
is performed
by an x-ray
technologist
and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Comfortable clothing
should be
worn such
as sweat
suits or
soft cotton clothing. Metal objects such as belt buckles,
rivets, snaps,
zippers, and or buttons
over the
mid-abdomen
or hip areas
interfere with the scan and must be removed, along with shoes.
During
the exam,
you will lie quietly on a comfortable
(well padded)
scan table
while a "C-Arm" (x-ray
tube) moves
over the
area being scanned. Breathing is not suspended during the scan,
but talking is discouraged while the C-Arm
is in motion.
After The Exam
Once
the chosen areas have been scanned satisfactorily the exam
is complete and the patient is allowed to replace items and/or
clothing that have been removed and leave. The technologist
will apply the computer program to analyze the images that
have been produced. The computer will print a copy of the
scan and the analysis of the area of bone that has been imaged.
The printed copies are given to a radiologist who will prepare
a report on the information obtained. A copy of the completed
scanned image and the radiologist’s report will be sent to
your physician. The information gathered and the image scans
are stored on the computer making it possible to do future
studies and comparisons.
