Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

Diagnostic Imaging

What is a bone mineral density scan (BMD)?

A bone density scan is used to measure the density and bone mineral content. At Beam Radiology this is done using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA. For various reasons, the DEXA scan is considered to be the “gold standard” or most accurate test.

The measurement provider allows your healthcare provider to understand if there is decreased bone mass. This indicates a condition in which bones can be more prone to break or fracture.

The main use of the bone mineral densitometry scan is to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is also used to determine your future fracture risk. The testing procedure typically measures the bone density of the bones of the spine, lower arm, and hip

Standard X-rays may show weakened bones. But at the point when bone weakness can be seen on standard X-rays, it may be too far advanced to treat. Bone densitometry testing can find decreasing bone density and strength at a much earlier stage when treatment can be beneficial.

This exam is performed by an X-ray or nuclear medicine technologist, and the images are analyzed and reported by a radiologist.

FAQs

What conditions are bone density able to detect?

A bone density scan is used to diagnose:

Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Determine future fracture risk.
A baseline scan can be used to evaluate your bone density to determine if treatment is needed.
A comparison /follow-up scan can check if the treatment for osteoporosis is working through comparison.

At Beam, we pride ourselves in providing a custom patient experience by looking at previous imaging available, prior to your arrival, and conducting a thorough intake process to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Beam offers the latest guidelines in reporting based on FRAX scoring

How Do I prepare for my exam?

Tell your technologist if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are nursing. If you are pregnant, the scan will be postponed. If you might be pregnant, a test may be needed to confirm pregnancy status before making your booking.
Bring photo ID, your provincial health card, and your requisition form.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide supervision for children during the scan, so please make arrangements to attend your appointment without any children who require this oversight.

What can I expect at my appointment?

Upon arrival, you will be asked to fill out a some paperwork.

We may ask you to get you changed into a medical gown, as no metal can be present on the clothing.

We will go through a detailed questionnaire to ensure we have the all the required patient history.

We will record your height and weight prior to the scan – this is entered into the bone density software to assist in calculations.

You will then be asked to lay down on an exam table, while a mechanical arm passes over your body as we take 2 measurements of the spine and hip (and forearm, only if needed). The scan itself will take only approximately 10 min – For you entire appointment you can expect it to be approximately 20-30 minutes.

What are the risks associated with my bone mineral density (BMD) exam?

Although BMD does use some radiation in order to produce the images, the amount is less than a standard X-ray, so considered to be very minimal.

What are some of the risk factors for Osteoporosis?

Several factors appear to increase the risk of developing the disease:

Age. Risk increases after 50
Gender. Women are 4 times more likely to develop osteoporosis
Race. The disease can affect anyone, but white and Asian women are most at risk.
Menopause. Estrogen deficiency causes bone loss
Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
Low body weight, or being small and thin
Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D
Not eating enough fruits and vegetables for other nutrients (magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and K)
Not getting enough protein
Consuming too much alcohol, sodium or caffeine
Having an inactive lifestyle
Smoking