Dexa Bone Densitometry
A bone densitometry test (often called DEXA, bone mineral density or simply bone density test) uses low dose X-ray access to see how strong the bones are. It is an effective, quick and painless examination to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. It is usually asymptomatic and ultimately predisposes patients to fracture from low impact trauma. Osteoporotic fractures lead to a significant deterioration in quality of life, increase in morbidity, mortality and disability. Therefore, prevention and early detection of osteoporosis is important.
Dexa Bone Densitometry FAQ
Bone densitometry test is recommended if you have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
Factors of increased risk of osteoporosis include:
- Female gender
- Increasing age
- Slender, thin-bone body build
- Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture
- Premature or early menopausal women
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to change into a gown. Jewellery and metallic objects within the region of the examination must be removed. You will be asked to lie on the scan table during the examination. The radiographer will position you for different regions of interest. To ensure a best quality scan, it is important keep still during the procedure.
During the examination, a mechanical arm will pass over your body. A narrow beam of low-dose X-ray will then be passed through the body part to be examined. Scans are usually done on the lumbar spine, neck of the femur (next to the hip joint), or forearm. The procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Happy Valley
- Address:
- 1/F, Li Shu Pui Block,
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital,
2 Village Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
- Service hours:
-
Consultation by Appointment
- Tel.:
- (852) 2835 8900
- Email:
- [javascript protected email address]
- Fax:
- (852) 2892 7530
- WhatsApp:
-
(852) 6052 2185
(For non-emergency cases)
Island East
- Address:
- 7/F, Li Shu Fong Building,
5 A Kung Ngam Village Road, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong
- Service hours:
-
Consultation by Appointment
- Tel.:
- (852) 2917 1270
- Email:
- [javascript protected email address]
- Fax:
- (852) 2892 7407
- WhatsApp:
-
(852) 2917 1270
(For non-emergency cases)