"Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist." ~ National Osteoporosis Foundation

• A woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
• An average of 24% of hip fracture patients 50 and over die in the year following their fracture.
• One in five of those who were ambulatory before a hip fracture requires long-term care afterward.
• Six months after hip fracture, only 15% of hip fracture patients can walk across a room unaided.

~ GE Healthcare

Regular Bone Densitometry exams help doctors diagnose osteoporosis and assess a patient's risk for developing osteoporosis. The results of these exams are critical in the management of this disease.

Salem Radiology is pleased to be able to offer bone densitometry services at both its Salem and North Andover locations. In July, 2009, Salem Radiology installed a brand new state-of-the-art GE Prodigy machine at its Salem location.

The Basics   Bone Densitometry examinations, also called DEXASCANs, measure the mineral content of the bone. A dual energy beam of very low dose x-rays passes through the area being examined. The detectors then compare the amount of x-rays adsorbed by the bone to the amount absorbed by non-bony tissues of the body. DEXASCANs provide a measurement of the bone mineral density so your physician can determine if you are at risk of developing or have osteoporosis. DEXA scanning has been proven to be the most accurate method of measuring bone density.

Patient Preparation   A DEXA scan should not be performed within 10 days of any other imaging examination. Please do not take any calcium products for at least 24 hours prior to the examination. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably without zippers, buttons, or any metal fasteners. Sweat suits are preferred.

As always, please bring copies of any prior exams or related studies from other locations (images and reports) as these play a critical role in the overall success of your exam. And, please remember to bring a copy of your insurance card with you.

What Can I Expect?   The DEXA scan is fast, painless and non-invasive. The patient will be asked to lie flat on a padded table will the machine scans over areas of the body

Length of Exam   Approximately 30 minutes.

Obtaining the Results   Your test will be reviewed by a radiologist trained in interpreting the results of this type of procedure. The results will be reported to your doctor. You should contact the doctor who ordered your Bone Densitometry exam to obtain the results.