DEXA | Orthopaedic Institue of Ohio Orthopaedic Institue of Ohio

Monitoring your bone density gives you and your provider valuable insight into your overall bone health. For patients at risk of osteoporosis or other conditions that affect bone strength, regular evaluation helps track changes. DEXA scans offer a reliable way to gather this information with minimal discomfort and no lengthy preparation.

This quick imaging test can help detect bone loss before it leads to more serious concerns. We provide DEXA scans at the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio for patients who want a clear picture of their bone health. We serve patients in Lima and Findlay, OH, as well as the surrounding areas.

Lima Office

801 Medical Dr
Suite A
Lima, OH 45804

Phone: 419-222-6622

Fax: 419-224-0015

Map & Directions

Business Hours:

Mon - Thu: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sports Medicine Walk-in Clinic:

Mon - Sat: 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Summer Hours: No Sports Clinic on Saturdays in June and July

Urgent Care:

Mon – Thu: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fri: 8:00am – 3:00pm

What Is Bone Density?

Bone density refers to the amount of mineral content, mainly calcium and phosphorus, found within your bones. It gives us an idea of how strong and stable your bones are, especially in areas like the hips and spine, where fractures can occur more easily. A lower bone density may mean your bones are more likely to break, even with a minor fall or bump. Tracking bone density over time helps us identify early signs of conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan, short for Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a type of X-ray that measures how dense your bones are by using two low-dose beams to scan areas such as the spine, hip, or forearm. This scan compares your results to the expected bone density of a healthy young adult and someone your same age. The process is quick, does not require special preparation, and exposes you to less radiation than a standard X-ray.

Why Bone Density Testing Is Important

Early Detection of Bone Loss

Bone loss often develops slowly and often without clear symptoms. By the time a fracture occurs, bone density may already be reduced. A DEXA bone density scan helps us detect small changes before they lead to bigger problems. Early detection gives you more options for managing bone health and reducing long-term complications.

Fracture Risk Assessment

We use bone density testing to evaluate how likely you are to experience a fracture. If your bones are thinning, even a minor fall or routine movement could result in a break. This type of testing helps us identify patients at higher risk so we can take steps to reduce the chance of injury.

Guiding Treatment Plans

Bone density results can help us decide whether to start or adjust treatment. If we notice bone loss, we may recommend changes in diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle habits. For patients already receiving treatment, follow-up scans let us see how well the approach is working.

Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?

Postmenopausal Women

After menopause, women experience a natural decline in estrogen levels, which affects bone density. This change can lead to faster bone loss in the spine, hips, and other areas. A DEXA scan can help determine if that loss is happening sooner or more rapidly than expected. Women over 65, or younger women with other risk factors, often benefit from testing.

Men Over a Certain Age

As men age, they also begin to lose bone mass, though typically at a slower rate than women. Men over the age of 70, or younger men with contributing factors like long-term steroid use or low testosterone, may need a DEXA bone scan to assess their bone health.

Individuals With Risk Factors

Certain conditions and medications can increase your risk of developing low bone density. These include long-term use of corticosteroids, smoking, alcohol use, low body weight, and health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disorders. If you have any of these risk factors, a scan can give us a clearer picture of your bone strength.

How a DEXA Scan Works

A DEXA scan works by using two low-energy X-ray beams aimed at the spine and hips. These beams pass through the bone and soft tissue and allow the machine to measure how much radiation the bone absorbs. The denser the bone, the more radiation it absorbs, which helps us calculate your bone mineral density. The scan itself is quick and painless, and you will lie flat on a table while the machine moves slowly above you.

What to Expect During the Scan

Preparing for a bone density scan is simple. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment, but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or underwire, as these can interfere with the scan. Let us know if you have recently had any contrast imaging, such as a CT scan with dye, since this may affect the results.

When it is time for your scan, we will ask you to lie flat on a padded table. A scanner arm will slowly move over your body. You will not feel the X-rays, and you do not need to hold your breath or stay in an uncomfortable position. The scan is quiet, quick, and noninvasive. The amount of radiation used is very low, and we take every precaution to make sure you are as comfortable as possible while collecting accurate results.

T-Score and Z-Score Basics

When we review your DEXA scan results, we focus on two main numbers: the T-score and the Z-score. The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult. A T-score above -1 is considered normal, while a score between -1 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia, a condition where bone density is lower than average. A score below -2.5 may suggest osteoporosis.

The Z-score compares your bone density to what is typical for someone your age, sex, and body size. This helps us understand whether something other than aging may be affecting your bones. A significantly low Z-score could suggest an underlying issue that may need further evaluation. Together, the T-score and Z-score offer a more complete picture of your bone health.

What Happens Next?

After reviewing your DEXA scan results, we will discuss what they mean for you and whether further steps are needed. This could involve repeating the scan in a year or two, making lifestyle changes, or starting medications or supplements. The results also help us monitor how well any current treatment is working. We will walk through your options based on clear, measurable information.

FAQs

How Often Should I Get a DEXA Scan?

Most patients do not need this scan every year unless there are changes in risk factors or treatment plans. We recommend a follow-up scan every two years to monitor progress or changes in bone density. However, we may suggest a different schedule based on your age, health history, or medications.

How Long Does a Bone Density Test Take?

A bone density scan typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. You will spend a few minutes getting positioned, and the scan itself is quick and painless. There is no need to change into a gown unless your clothing contains metal. Most patients are in and out of the office in under 30 minutes.

Are DEXA Scans Covered By Insurance?

Many insurance plans cover DEXA scans for patients who meet certain criteria, such as being over a specific age or having risk factors for bone loss. Coverage can vary depending on your plan and medical history. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Find Out Where You Stand With a DEXA Scan in Lima, OH

A DEXA scan can give you a clear view of your bone health and help guide decisions about treatment or prevention. We offer this testing in a straightforward, low-stress setting for patients in and around Lima, OH. To schedule your scan with the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, call 419-963-4870.